An opiate addiction is defined as an inability to stop taking opiates; examples include codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and heroin. Studies have demonstrated a link between opiate addiction and psychiatric issues. Opiates are known for their ability to produce euphoria, so sometimes individuals who suffer from depression or other similar problems will self-medicate with opiates.
This is a particularly troublesome cycle, as evidence suggests prolonged use of opiates will damage serotonin receptors in the brain, making depression even worse in the absence of the opiates. This cycle is one of the largest contributing forces to prolonged opiate addiction.
Symptoms of opiate withdrawal are also painful and include bone pain, chills, rapid heartbeat, restless legs, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, tremors, headaches, flu-like symptoms, and more. It can also cause heart attacks, strokes, and seizures. The combination of depression and physical pain makes opiate addiction a particularly difficult one to manage. The withdrawal period can take between two and ten days, depending on the kind of opiate.
Opiate addiction must be addressed both psychologically and medicinally. Drug abuse affects the chemistry of the brain, and treatment solutions must take this into consideration. Typically, opiate addiction is dealt with by prescribing the addict medications that reach the brain slower than the drug, alleviating the withdrawal symptoms while not providing the euphoric high. Medications often used to treat opiate addiction include:
- Methadone, a long-acting opiate that is the most effective treatment known for any kind of narcotic addiction.
- Buprenorphine, one of the newest drugs to help with opiate addiction.
- Naltrexone
- Clonidine, which does not address the withdrawal symptoms, but does calm the “fight or flight” response that is commonly part of opiate withdrawal.
It has been proven that medication-assisted treatment of opiate addiction results in lower chance of relapse. However, medication alone is not enough to stop an addiction, and comprehensive psychological assistance is also needed to help keep an opiate addict on the path to recovery.
Opiate addiction is a serious problem in the United States, particularly in recent years. The most common form of opiate addiction is the abuse of prescription painkillers, and the number of deaths from accidental opiate overdose has skyrocketed.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opiate addiction, please reach out for help. The database at Drug Treatment Center Finder can provide you with effective rehabilitation clinics in all locations and price ranges.
