It can be difficult to recognize addiction in ourselves or a loved one. Because every addiction story is unique, no experience directly follows a textbook definition of substance use disorder. Opiate and opioid drug dependence can begin in a number of ways. For some, opioid or opiate use begins recreationally. For others, it may begin with a well-meaning prescription from a licensed and trusted physician. Whatever the cause, addiction can cause confusion, anxiety, and a desire to fix the situation.
The good news is that addiction truly is a treatable disease. Drug abuse changes the physical function of the brain, and it takes medical attention to bring back a functional level of sobriety. Regardless of the reason substance use began, the right professionals and personalized guidance and treatment greatly increases your chances of success.1 Quitting drugs takes more than strong willpower. It is good to remember that it is not necessary for a person to voluntarily choose to go to rehab in order for it to be successful.
Opiate Abuse Symptoms
Opiate and opioid addiction is known to change moods, behaviors and even temporarily change personality. Addicted individuals may lie or even steal in order to get what they want to satisfy what the brain tells them they need. Even prescription opiate addiction, which often begins with legal prescriptions, may deteriorate into using the drugs in ways other than intended by a physician. This also constitutes illegal activity.
The following are some symptoms of opiate abuse:
- Loss of ability to feel pain
- Feelings of euphoria
- Sedation
- Dilation of the pupils
- Poor judgment abilities, confusion
Both inpatient and outpatient services are useful in treating addiction, but individual cases vary as to which is best. Some people must be removed from their own environment to get treatment. Others are able to stay at home while getting professional help through regular therapy sessions. In each treatment form, patients are comforted as they experience withdrawal symptoms during detox, the initial stage of addiction treatment. Withdrawal from opioids after a long period of abuse will likely bring an onset of the following symptoms:
- High level of irritability
- Rapid rate of breathing
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Cramps in the abdominal area
- State of confusion
- Tremors, shaking
- Salivating uncontrollably
Addiction is sometimes accompanied by a mental Illness. Sometimes, the addicted person develops a mental illness as a result of his or her addictive thought processes or behavior. Other times, addiction comes from a pre-existing, undiagnosed or untreated mental illness. Dual diagnosis facilities treat both conditions simultaneously through therapeutic and meditative restoration along with medications. Individualized treatment plans offer a specialized approach to treat a variety of symptoms in one location.2
The physical changes happening in the brain during addiction impact all areas of a person’s life. If your loved one has fallen victim to addiction, it may seem as if he or she has changed into a different person. Your loved one may make risky decisions, and you now find it difficult to work around his emotions and reasoning patterns. Quality treatment offers support and counseling for families, and inpatient treatment offers dedicated assistance and follow-up planning and care for each patient before discharge.
Finding Help for Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription opioid addiction is a growing crisis in this country and most insurance providers will cover or help cover treatment. Our admissions coordinators are available 24 hours a day to answer your insurance questions and find the right treatment plan. You are not alone. Call us now.
1 National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Understanding Drug Use and Addiction.” NIDA. N.p., Aug. 2016. Web. 14 July 2017.
2 “Opioid Addiction.” NIDA. N.p., Dec. 2012. Web. 14 July 2017.
