What is Opioid Addiction: Types, Symptoms, Treatments
Wiki Article
Opioid addiction is formally known as Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a chronic mental health condition where an individual becomes psychologically dependent on opioids and has trouble controlling their use. Various opioids like Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and morphine are effective for pain relief when used after being legally prescribed, but misuse can quickly lead to addiction. It impacts brain function, behavior and quality of life, making it difficult for a user to stop using it on their own. On the other hand, we have to say that OUD is a life-threatening condition that occurs when someone has an overpowering drive to use opioids despite their risks.
Understand the Causes and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Many healthcare professionals may prescribe several powerful opioids to treat moderate to severe pain. Though the pain-relieving capabilities of opioids are high, they also increase the risk of physical dependence. No matter the user's age, sex, or education, opioid use disorder affects all people. Based on different clinical research, here we provide several factors that are the main causes of opioid addiction. Read the following points.
Family history of substance use disorder
Struggles with severe depression and anxiety
Stressful living environment
Regular exposure to drug use
Signs and Symptoms of OUD
Generally, opioid use disorder happens when an individual misuses opioids. There are several physical and behavioral signs that someone knows they are addicted to opioids. These may include:
What are the Types of Opioid Addiction?
Based on multiple factors, opioid abuse is classified into different types. Here, we provide some types of opioid addiction.
Prescription Opioid Addiction: When users misuse or become fully dependent on prescription opioids that are prescribed for pain management, prescription opioid abuse occurs. Some highly recommended prescription opioids are Oxycodone (OxyContin), Hydrocodone (Vicodin), and Codeine.
Heroin Addiction: It is the only result of using an illegal opioid derived from morphine. After misusing prescription opioids or beginning to use heroin directly, an individual may suffer from heroin addiction.
Codeine Addiction: This addiction is the misuse of a commonly suggested opioid that causes dependency. It appears in cough syrups and misuse results in a life-threatening condition.
OxyContin Addiction: It is the regular use of a long-acting form of Oxycodone, which has a strong pain-relieving effect and is also highly addictive. Misuse of this drug quickly leads to physical addiction.
Synthetic Opioid Addiction: This addiction is man-made which is designed to mimic the effects of natural opioids.
Hydrocodone Addiction: It is the result of the overuse of a potent, semi-synthetic opioid that is approved for managing chronic pain and categorized as a Schedule II drug. After consuming a higher dose without a prescription, it is highly abused.
What is the Treatment for Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction treatment varies from person to person according to their needs. These treatments may include psychotherapy, self-help programs, medications, family involvement, and education. Let’s understand the mentioned treatments briefly in the following.
Medications Used for Opioid Use Disorder
Certain drugs can reduce withdrawal symptoms and may modify the brain’s chemistry to manage OUD. Some common opioid medications are Methadone, which helps to reduce cravings, Buprenorphine, which blocks the effects of opioids and helps to decrease severe withdrawal symptoms, and Naltrexone, which blocks the opioid effects and prevents the feeling of euphoria. These medications should be used under the close supervision of a skilled health expert to get better results.
Psychotherapy
An individual may try some psychotherapy in the primary stage. Certain therapies are cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies help to modify addictive behaviors and improve decision-making skills.
Self-Help Programs
Participating in these self-help programs, like Narcotics Anonymous and Smart Recovery that helps to change the behaviors. This group therapy provides support and encouragement and also promotes social connection, sharing of experience and recovery skills.
Education
Proper education about opioid dependency and healthy lifestyle changes may play a vital role in long-term recovery. Identifying triggers and learning effective coping skills also helps someone prevent relapse.
Summary
Throughout the entire article, we have concluded that Opioid use disorder happens when an individual misuses opioids. Follow the prescription guidelines properly to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Adopt various treatments and recovery options that treat opioid addiction effectively.