Something that was touted by pharmaceutical companies and some doctors as the answer to pain after surgery has become a national scourge. It was meant to be used short term, but opioids added something else to the mix. Once some patients felt the euphoria opioids provide, they couldn’t live without it. Understanding the complexities of opioid dependence.
Substance Use Disorder: A Public Crisis
More than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses since 1999. Many of these are the result of opioid use disorder. It affects the brains of those who are dependent. Brain abnormalities from chronic heroin use, oxycodone, and other morphine drugs are the underlying causes of opioid dependence. Addiction is an illness with a biological basis.
It’s impossible to know who will become addicted. Their misuse, whether legal, illegal, stolen, or shared, is the reason 90 people die every day from overdose.
Why Are Opioids Especially Addictive?
Opioids are particularly addictive, as they trigger a powerful reward center in the brain like the release of endorphins. You stop feeling pain, you feel better, they create a calming sense of well-being.
The problem is that it only lasts a short time. When it wears off, you crave those feelings again. This is the beginning of an opioid disorder.
Opioid Dependence and Dangers of Withdrawal
Once someone becomes addicted, they continue to take opioids on a regular basis however they can get them. Unfortunately, the longer they take them, the body doesn’t make as many endorphins. This prompts the individual to need more to acquire the euphoria they want. When this occurs, the person is building up tolerance for the drug.
When the individual cannot get enough of the drug, they can begin to have withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can consist of the following:
- Anxiety
- Worsening pain
- Shivers/goosebumps
- Diarrhea
- Yawning
The goal now becomes experiencing the euphoria and the avoidance of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms only occur in those who have developed tolerance to the drug.
How to Find Support for Opioid Use Disorder
Don’t give up if you or someone you know is suffering from opioid disorder. Speak to Reliance Treatment Center of Statesboro to explore treatment and support at our office in Statesboro, GA.
There are other safe choices. Stopping suddenly can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms.
Contact Reliance Treatment Center of Statesboro at (912) 489-7827 to safely and gradually reduce the amount of opioids you take. Alternatively, you can request an appointment through our secure online form.