Opioids are chemicals that act on opioid receptors that can be found on the body’s nerve cells. When acted on by opioids, these receptors help reduce the sensation of pain the person taking them experiences. As a result, opioids are commonly prescribed for pain control and are available both as a synthetic and in a form derived from a natural source. Common opioids are heroin, prescription pain relievers, and synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl. Fentanyl is nearly 50 times as potent as heroin, while Carfentanil is nearly 10,000 times as strong as morphine.
About Opioid Addiction (Opioid Use Disorder)
Opioid addiction is a serious concern in America today, with millions currently suffering from opioid use disorder. Of these, over 70,000 die from overdose each year, with 16,000 of these deaths being attributed to heroin and prescription painkillers accounting for over 15,000 deaths. These numbers continue to rise as synthetic options start becoming available, with Fentanyl and others like it claiming nearly 30,000 deaths all on their own.
Question For Your Mental Health Professional About Opioid Use
We offer mental health services that can aid those suffering from opioid addiction make important changes in their life. Breaking addiction to opioids can be extremely difficult to accomplish without help. Our team has received specialized training in helping people who are addicted to opioids overcome their dependence and reclaim their life from its grip.
What Symptoms Are Associated With Opioid Use?
Opioid use can have serious and potentially life-threatening side-effects. Non-medical symptoms that indicate you may be experiencing an addiction to opioids include the following:
- Use of drugs in higher amounts or longer periods of time than intended.
- Desire but an inability to reduce the use of opioids
- Significant amounts of time obtaining opioids
- Extended periods of recovery from opioids
- Use is impacting your ability to meet obligations
- Choosing opioid use over activities that were important to you
- Increased tolerance to the effects of opioids requiring larger doses
- Withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them
What Symptoms Are Associated with Opioid Withdrawal?
In those who are battling addiction by ending their use of opioids, abruptly withdrawal symptoms can become part of a serious battle. The symptoms include a sense of general pain, restlessness, insomnia, intense cravings, vomiting, cramps, dilated pupils, and diarrhea. These symptoms are often severe enough that it drives those trying to quit back to opioids simply to make them stop.
How Common Is Opioid Addiction?
Opioids are severely addictive, and those who use them for periods of longer than a month or two often develop a physical dependence on them. The AMA (American Medical Association) has revealed that of all those who use opioids as a prescription pain medication, up to 19% of them will become addicted. Even when the prescription is stopped, they may not stop using, and almost 45% of those presently addicted to heroin were initially using prescription medication.
If you’re looking for help managing an opioid addiction, and are struggling to overcome your dependence, contact our office immediately. We’ll put you in contact with a mental health professional who specializes in managing addiction and can aid you as you start taking control of your life again. Opioids addiction can be life-threatening, don’t wait to call and get help!
