Opiod Addiction

Addiction Treatment

Opioid Abuse, Addiction & Treatment

Providing Alternative Addiction Treatment In Arizona

Opioids are psychoactive drugs primarily prescribed for pain relief. Over the last two decades, the misuse of opioids has escalated into a widespread epidemic, resulting in thousands of overdose deaths in the United States. While opioid misuse can initially begin with a legitimate prescription, it often leads to adverse health effects, overdose, and addiction. Seeking assistance for opioid addiction is crucial and can be a life-saving decision.

Opioid Abuse

When prescribed opioids for chronic pain, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), or codeine, adherence to the doctor’s recommendations is essential. Deviating from the prescribed dose—taking higher quantities, more frequently, or for an extended duration—constitutes prescription drug abuse. Additionally, using opioid painkillers without a prescription is a form of abuse, and self-medication should be avoided. The opioid crisis underscores the inherent dangers associated with these medications.

Methods of Opioid Misuse

While most individuals who abuse opioids consume them orally, some resort to crushing the pills to snort the resulting powder or preparing a solution for injection. Although the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that a small percentage of prescription opioid abusers transition to heroin use, the majority of heroin users opt for the illegal drug due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility compared to the regulated opioid prescribing process.

Opioid Addiction and Legal Consequences

Opioids belong to a highly addictive drug class, necessitating careful prescription monitoring. All opioids are classified as controlled substances, and possessing them without a valid prescription can lead to legal repercussions. The allure of heroin often arises from its affordability and accessibility, circumventing the regulated channels associated with prescription opioids.

Mechanism of Action

Opioids exert their effects by acting on receptors in the brain that intercept pain signals, resulting in pain alleviation. Simultaneously, they slow down the central nervous system and elevate dopamine levels, inducing feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Tolerance to opioids can develop even with prescribed use, leading to reduced effectiveness over time. Healthcare providers typically prescribe opioids for short durations to mitigate the risk of tolerance. Prolonged use can prompt the brain to produce fewer natural chemicals, fostering dependence on the drugs and diminishing pleasure derived from healthy activities like exercise.

Most Commonly Abused Opioids

While prescription opioids can effectively manage pain when used as directed, several opioids are commonly abused, leading to serious health risks and addiction.

Codeine
Codeine, a widely prescribed opioid, serves as a painkiller and cough suppressant. Unfortunately, it is frequently abused by mixing its liquid form with carbonated beverages or alcohol, resulting in concoctions known as "purple drank" or "sizzurp."
Carfentanil
Carfentanil, an extremely potent opioid, is not approved for human use in the United States. With an estimated strength 100 times greater than fentanyl, its only sanctioned application is as a sedative for large animals. Tragically, carfentanil is linked to numerous overdose deaths.
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone, found in medications like Vicodin and Lortab, is a narcotic with moderate potency. Classified as a DEA Schedule II drug due to its high abuse potential, it can lead to both physical and psychological dependence.
Hydromorphone
Hydromorphone, branded as Dilaudid, surpasses morphine in potency, inducing effects such as sedation, euphoria, and relaxation. Abused for its strength, it can lead to addiction when not taken as directed or used without a prescription.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, contributes to a significant number of overdose deaths annually. Its danger lies in being covertly mixed into street drugs, like heroin or cocaine, often resulting in fatal overdoses with just a minimal amount.
Meperidine
Meperidine, known as Demerol, is an opioid analgesic painkiller. Its impact on the brain makes it addictive, similar to morphine, and is classified as a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
Methadone
Methadone, a synthetic opioid with FDA approval for treating opioid use disorder withdrawal symptoms, is safe under medical supervision. However, misuse, including use without a prescription or exceeding recommended doses, can lead to abuse and addiction.
Morphine
Morphine, a naturally occurring opiate from the opium poppy plant, is highly effective for pain relief but poses a strong potential for abuse, especially when injected or combined with alcohol or other drugs.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone, present in medications like Oxycontin and Percocet, is prone to abuse, especially when used without a prescription or for extended periods. Indications of abuse include inhaling vapor, snorting crushed tablets, or injecting dissolved tablets.
Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone, the generic name for Opana, is a prescription painkiller with potent pain-relieving and euphoric effects, making it susceptible to abuse and dependence.
Suboxone
Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone, is approved for addressing cravings and dependence in opioid use disorder. However, when mixed with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other depressants, it can be subject to abuse.
Tramadol
Tramadol, prescribed as Ultram and ConZip, is a less potent opioid but can still lead to addiction and dependence, with some users unaware of their addiction until attempting to stop use.

Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction manifests as a loss of control over drug use, often persisting despite adverse health effects or negative life consequences. Both heroin and prescription opioids alter the functioning of the brain, creating a situation where dependence on opioids becomes essential for daily functioning.

Additional signs of opioid use disorder may include:

Presence of empty, unmarked pill bottles or bags
Obtaining prescriptions from multiple doctors, commonly referred to as "doctor shopping"
Financial difficulties resulting from drug purchases
Engaging in theft of money or drugs from loved ones
Diminished interest in hobbies and social activities
Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
Neglect of personal hygiene and deterioration of mental health

Overcoming opioid addiction typically requires more than sheer willpower. Most individuals benefit from a comprehensive healthcare program that not only addresses the addiction but also imparts healthy habits to replace reliance on opioids.

For further information on Opioid Use Disorder, please refer to additional resources.

Opioid Treatment

Treatment for opioid addiction often commences with medical detoxification to ensure a safe cessation of opioid use. The detox process may involve a tapering schedule, gradually reducing the dosage, or substituting the opioid with a less potent drug.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a valuable approach for individuals dealing with opioid use disorder, particularly those facing persistent cravings after discontinuing heroin or other opioids. MAT combines medication with behavioral therapy to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, enhancing the likelihood of successful recovery.

Three FDA-approved medications are commonly used in MAT for opioid addiction:

Buprenorphine targets opioid receptors, reducing withdrawal symptoms, often combined with naloxone (Suboxone) to deter euphoria.
Methadone (Methadose) is a mild opioid that mitigates cravings and withdrawal symptoms without the intense high associated with stronger drugs like heroin.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) blocks opioid effects in the brain, preventing the experience of pleasurable effects.

Effective opioid treatments involve a combination of therapies tailored to individual needs. Treatment services may encompass therapy, counseling, and experiential methods such as yoga, art, and music, fostering a healthier lifestyle.

For more information on opioid treatment programs and personalized rehab plans, contact a treatment specialist at Heartfelt Recovery today.