Opioids, often as narcotics, are a specific type of drug. They typically include strong prescription pain medications like hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol, and fentanyl. Heroin is also classified as an opioid. Some opioids are manufactured from the opium plant, while others are synthetic. A medical physician may provide a prescription for opioid medication to reduce pain after major surgery or if a patient suffers from health issues like cancer. They are also prescribed for chronic pain.
What Is Opioid Addiction Or Misuse?
Opioid misuse is when someone is not taking these medications according to the provider’s instructions. This happens when the drugs are taken to get high, or another person’s opioids are taken. Addiction is classified as a continuing brain disease. It results in a person compulsively seeking out drugs irrespective if it can cause them harm.
What treatments are used for opioid addiction or misuse? Well, the best option available is to consult expert professionals who provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid use.
Treatments For Opioid Addiction May Include:
- Medication
- Behavioral therapy or counseling
- MAT (Medication-assisted therapy), which may include counseling, medicine, and behavioral therapy. This consists of a complete patient approach to treatment, which can enhance the probability of successful recovery.
- Treatment programs like suboxone in Ohio.
- Hospital-based treatment or residential treatment.
What Are The Medicines That Are Used For The Treatment Of Opioid Addiction Or Misuse?
These may include:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
Side-Effects Of Opioid Addiction
Opioids can lead to side effects that include mental fog, drowsiness, constipation, and nausea. They may also result in slowed breathing with a consequence of overdose deaths. If someone you know presents any overdose symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Symptoms of opioid overdose symptoms:
- The person’s face appears extremely pale, or it feels damp to the touch
- Their body turns limp
- Their lips and fingernails are blue or purple in color
- They start making gurgling noises or vomiting
- They can’t speak or cannot be awakened
- Their heartbeat is slowing or stops
Other risks of taking prescription opioids include addiction and dependence. A sign of dependence is when you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking the drug. Addiction must be treated as it is an ongoing brain disease. When you’re misusing medicines, the risk of addiction or dependence is higher.
Signs of misuse include:
- Taking another person’s medicine
- Talking incessantly about the medicine
- Not taking it as you’re supposed to be taking it
- Taking medication to get high
The Dangers Of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction, overdoses, or misuse are severe public health issues in the USA. Another problem includes women who are pregnant that misuse opioids. This can result in babies getting addicted and experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This is also called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Opioid misuse can often cause heroin use since people transition from prescription opioids to heroin. The primary method of opioid addiction treatment is MAT. It entails medicines, counseling as well as support from friends and family. MAT can help with quitting the drug, getting through withdrawal, and coping with cravings. Naloxone can assist with reversing the effects of the opioid overdose and prevent death if the treatment is given in time. To avoid issues with opioid prescription drugs, always follow doctor’s orders when taking them and contact him if you have any concerns.