Opioids are often prescribed to patients who are dealing with high levels of pain. While they are effective in providing relief, they are also very addictive. Many people who start out taking opioids for legitimate medical reasons end up with dangerous dependency issues.
Once an addiction forms, it can be challenging to resist it. Fortunately, some facilities specialize in opioid addiction treatment. This article will review the signs of prescription opioid addiction and the steps to find a treatment center that’s right for you.
What are Prescription Opioids?
Opioids are naturally found in the poppy plant. They work to block pain signals between the brain and body and are used to treat moderate to severe pain. They have also been known to produce feelings of euphoria, which impacts the brain. This process of changing a person’s brain chemistry is what causes opioids to be highly addictive.
Many kinds of opioids are available in prescription form. The most common are:
- Oxycontin
- Vicodin
- Fentanyl
Why are Prescription Opioids Commonly Abused?
There are many reasons why people abuse opioids. In some cases, they may feel like the opioid is not doing enough to treat their pain. They may increase doses without a doctor’s approval. Once they get used to a higher dose, they may find themselves on a downward spiral where they constantly need to take more of the drug to satisfy their increased tolerance.
Others may want to take more of the drug because they enjoy its pleasurable effects. This can apply to people who started using the drug to treat pain and those who use it for recreational purposes.
It is important to note that opioids are not only available by prescription. Many street dealers sell them as well. When found on the street, opioids are not always in their purest form. They can be mixed with harmful substances that make them toxic.
Heroin is an opioid often found on the streets and rarely available for medicinal purposes. Many users who can’t find opioids through their doctors or dealers start using heroin which can be quite dangerous and can easily lead to overdose.
What are the Signs of Prescription Opioid Addiction?
It’s essential to be aware of the signs of prescription opioid addiction. That way, you can find help sooner rather than later. They include:
- Withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug
- Increased tolerance
- Going to multiple doctors to try and get multiple prescriptions
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irresponsible behavior
- Poor decision making
- Irritability
- Shallow breathing
How to Treat an Opioid Addiction
While it is possible to wean yourself off opioids, it will be easier to recover with the aid of a reliable opioid addiction facility. They will typically take a three-step approach which includes:
Detox: Detox involves allowing the body to rid itself of harmful substances. The patient will experience withdrawal symptoms during this phase of recovery, but a medical staff will supervise them to keep them as comfortable as possible and to ensure that relapse doesn’t occur.
Therapy: After detox is complete, the patient will undergo therapy. They will be assessed to find a customized plan that is best suited to their needs. Various methods are used to treat the addiction and its underlying causes.
Aftercare: After a patient leaves rehab, they may be dealing with stressors that make them want to go back to using. The facility will continue to support them to ensure relapse doesn’t occur.
Finding Opioid Addiction Treatment in Atlanta, GA
When patients look for an opioid treatment, they want to make sure they find one that’s right for them. It should offer a comfortable atmosphere, customized therapies, and a comprehensive program that provides guidance from detox to aftercare. Atlanta Recovery Place is highly recommended.
Atlanta Recovery offers a variety of outpatient treatment plans, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. This allows patients to recover while going about their daily lives. We integrate a dual diagnosis approach that simultaneously treats addiction and its underlying causes. We follow up with aftercare to ensure residents maintain sobriety while readjusting to daily life. Overcoming opioid addiction is not easy, but Atlanta Recovery provides a comprehensive program that increases your chances of success. Call us today to get the help you need, and look forward to a new, higher-quality way of living.
