We all know that millions of Americans struggle with drug addiction every day. One of the most prevalent addictive drugs out there today is the drug category known as opioids. Widely prescribed for all sorts of conditions, it is easy for a person to acquire them and subsequently become addicted to them. In order to deal with this addiction problem, part of the solution is knowing the signs of opioid use and, ultimately, the signs of opioid addiction. That way, it is possible to get your loved one the treatment they need to recover and go back to a life free of opioids with the best chances of success.
At Hillside Mission Recovery, we know how powerful and addictive opioids can be and what a struggle it is for both clients and their families to deal with an addiction. That is why we’ve prepared this post to give you the information you need to get the proper type of help if you or someone you know has an opioid addiction. In this post, we will discuss what opioids are, whether they are addictive and why, as well as what are the signs of opioid use and how to get help from an opioid addiction treatment center.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drug otherwise known as pain killers. They work by attaching to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system to create a feeling of pain relief that can be either instantaneous or happen over time, depending on the form of opioid taken.
Some opioids not only relieve pain but induce a sense of euphoria, leading to varying side effects when taken in a manner that was not prescribed. Most opioids are derived from the poppy opium plant, such as the illicit drug heroin, but several synthetic variants have also come about, which makes misusing opioids incredibly dangerous.
Are Opioids Addictive?
Like most substances, all opioids have the potential to become addictive. In fact, depending on the specific drug, some opioids, like heroin, are so addictive that they have been made illegal. However, the most common forms of opioids are prescription pain relievers that are readily available almost anywhere.
The primary reason opioids are so addictive is due to how the drugs interact with the body. Opioids interact with cells in the brain and central nervous system. Over time these cells change, and the body becomes resistant to the effects of the opioids, leading to a person having to take more and more to reach the desired effect.
This leads to prolonged use, chemical dependence, and eventual addiction. Part of the struggle of addiction is that a person may not be able to function on a daily basis without the drugs after a period of time, making it difficult or nearly impossible for them to stop using the drugs. This is why treatment at a licensed addiction treatment facility is necessary in order to stop using opioids safely.
What Are The Signs of Opioid Use?
The signs of opioid use and abuse can vary by person and depending on the drug being used, but there are some common signs to look out for if your loved one is misusing opioids. There are three types of symptoms to look out for: physical, emotional, and psychological.
Physical symptoms include shallow breathing, lack of energy, listlessness, or other signs of function loss. Emotional side effects include mood swings, general irritability, anxiety, and depression. Psychological signs include poor decision-making, abandoning responsibilities, usually in favor of taking or acquiring more drugs, and lowered motivation to perform day-to-day activities.
How To Get Help From an Opioid Addiction Treatment Center
The first step to getting you or a loved one the help needed to battle an opioid addiction is admitting there is a problem and finding an addiction treatment facility. Once this decision has been made, the next step is to come to a facility like ours here at Hillside Mission Recovery.
We begin each client’s stay with an individualized evaluation, followed by medically supervised detox to remove the drug from the person’s system. Once this is done, the inpatient treatment plan at our luxury facility can begin. We focus on treating the root causes of the addiction and not the drug itself so that our clients have the tools they need to return to yourl life and have the highest chances of success.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an opioid addiction, contact Hillside Mission Recovery today!
