Opioid Abuse, Addiction, and Treatment
Opioids are one of the most addictive substances in the United States. In 2021, around 2.5 million adults in the U.S. and 16 million people worldwide had an opioid use disorder.
The misuse of opioids has escalated to the point where it is recognized as a national emergency. About 187 people in the United States die every day from opioid overdoses. Many of these cases involve illegal drugs like fentanyl.
In this article, we will look into:
- The most commonly abused opioids
- Signs and symptoms of opioid abuse or addiction
- What to expect during opioid withdrawal and detox
- Standard therapies and medications used in treating opioid addiction
Opioid addiction is a serious problem. However, treatments that focus on the physical, mental, and social aspects of addiction can help.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid abuse, reach out to Rocklay Behavioral Health today. Our Florida-based treatment program offers evidence-based treatment and a continuum of care for opioid addiction.
The Most Commonly Abused Opioids
Opioids are found in many forms, including legal prescriptions and illegal drugs. Many people become dependent on opioids after getting them from a doctor. Studies show that about 21-29% of those prescribed opioids for long-term pain misuse them. Also, 8-12% may develop a problem related to opioid use.
As many as 86% of individuals who use heroin indicate that they misused prescription opioids prior to using heroin.
The following are some of the most commonly abused opioids:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Morphine (MS Contin, Kadian)
- Codeine (Tylenol with Codeine, Empirin with Codeine)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Tramadol (Ultram, Conzip)
- Heroin
- Fentanyl (Duragesic, Sublimaze)
Fentanyl is a strong opioid. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Doctors use it to treat severe cancer pain. However, illegal fentanyl, often mixed with heroin or counterfeit medications, significantly contributes to opioid overdose cases.
Spotting the Signs of Opioid Addiction
The signs and effects of opioid misuse can differ based on several factors. These factors include how long someone has abused opioids. It also includes how much they have used.
The specific type of substance matters too. Additionally, a person’s personality traits can play a role. Some of these different signs and symptoms are listed below.
Behavioral:
- Taking money or medications from others
- Unaccounted time away from work
- Decreased work performance
- Dishonesty or protectiveness regarding one’s actions or whereabouts
- “Doctor shopping,” or seeing several doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions
Physical:
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diahrrea
- Slowed reflexes
- Weight loss
- Poor hygiene
Cognitive:
- Poor judgement
- Paranoia
- Poor memory
- Difficulty with decision-making
Psychosocial:
- Often angry or irritable
- Seeming depressed or anxious
- Withdrawn from friends and family
The Importance of Detox
Heroin and prescription opioids, such as OxyContin and Vicodin, can cause severe addiction, significantly affecting work, family, and social relationships.
Opioid addiction can cause significant harm, making treatment essential for recovery. Without proper care, individuals risk severe mental and physical health issues, including overdose.
It’s crucial to seek treatment that includes both therapeutic services and detoxification. Detox centers offer specialized care to help with the physical side of addiction. They support patients in taking important steps toward a life free from opioids and lasting sobriety.
What You Can Expect During Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal is highly distressing and uncomfortable. When someone misuses heroin or prescription pain medications, their body adapts, leading to withdrawal symptoms and significant physical and emotional discomfort upon stopping.
Withdrawing from opioids can cause physical pain, strong cravings, and sickness. This often leads to relapse. A professional detox program can help lessen withdrawal symptoms. It also offers important support and resources for recovery and a healthier life.
The Benefits of Detox
Not seeking detox services can result in relapse. Professional detox facilities increase the likelihood of avoiding relapse and achieving a fulfilling, sober life.
Joining an opioid detox program can help people improve their health and mental clarity. This process allows them to better understand their addiction. This foundation supports their involvement in treatment programs that build confidence and skills to avoid opioids.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Psychological Treatment
In the last few decades, psychological treatments have improved a lot. These approaches help at every stage of overcoming opioid addiction. They support people from deciding to change, quitting or reducing use, to staying abstinent and avoiding relapse.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is recognized as one of the most successful treatments for opioid use disorder. Additionally, it is an effective approach for various psychological issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma, which often accompany opioid addiction.
The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health by SAMHSA found that 21.5 million adults in the U.S. have both substance use disorders and mental health issues.
Because opioid addiction often coexists with mood disorders, our Depression Treatment in Florida program provides specialized support to address underlying emotional challenges alongside substance use recovery.
Family Therapy
Family therapy can help families with one or more members dealing with addiction. It is especially useful for teenagers facing struggles with substance abuse.
The fundamental method emphasizes the interactions within the entire family unit. Therapeutic efforts do not only focus on the person using substances. A family member’s substance abuse is viewed as a sign of a bigger problem. This problem impacts the whole family.
When someone struggles with opioid addiction, it can affect their family. In these cases, family therapy can help. Listening to what loved ones feel and experience can help someone who is struggling with substance use. It can motivate them to change their behavior.
Family therapy can assist relatives in supporting someone who wishes to stop using opioids. It also helps each family member see how they may have unknowingly contributed to past challenges.
Group Therapy and 12-Step Programs
Twelve-step facilitation is a method that helps people stay sober. Joining a support group can be helpful. Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer support for those struggling with addiction.
Support groups can provide a nurturing and secure environment for individuals in recovery. Many participants find value in forming new friendships and engaging in sober activities within these mutual support networks.
Medical Treatment
If you opt for medical treatment for addiction, you will have various choices available. You can use these options with other treatment methods. You may also need to try different approaches to find what works for you.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a medication that blocks opioid receptors in the brain, alleviating withdrawal symptoms without the sedation or euphoria of pure opioids. It is administered through clinics or clinicians.
New options, like transdermal patches, monthly injections, and implants that release medication for six months, improve delivery. These methods are better than the older sublingual tablets or films.
Methadone
Methadone is a man-made opioid. It changes how the nervous system perceives pain. Unlike heroin and other opioids, it does not cause feelings of pleasure or drowsiness.
Methadone effectively manages opioid withdrawal symptoms and is used in medication-assisted therapy for severe addiction. It is usually given orally in various forms through government-approved programs.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a primary medication used to treat opioid addiction. One version, Vivitrol, is an injection that lasts a long time. It makes sticking to the treatment plan easier because it only needs to be given once a month.
This medication binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking opioids from activating them. This reduces the brain’s signaling that causes cravings, helping to lessen the urge to seek opioids.
Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids. This reduces their rewarding feelings, making people less likely to use them, even if they take them.
Find Opioid Addiction Treatment in Florida Now
Rocklay Behavioral Health was created to provide excellent addiction treatment. Our skilled team of professionals works in a supportive environment that focuses on your long-term recovery. We know that addiction affects people in different ways. That is why our South Florida treatment programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Reach out and start your evaluation with us today.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Opioid Use Disorder
- National Library of Medicine: Therapeutic Approaches to Opioid Use Disorder: What is the Current Standard of Care?
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center: UTSW Q & A: Experts Talk About Opioid Abuse, Risks, and Treatment
