Opioids can trick your body and brain into believing they are necessary for survival, making them highly addictive. Statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlight the severity of our nation’s opioid epidemic, reporting that over two million Americans abuse opioids, and over 90 die from opioid overdose daily.
Opioids include prescription medications and illicit street drugs, such as heroin. Opioid use disorder often begins when individuals are prescribed medications for pain. Nearly 80% of heroin users report abusing prescription painkillers before using heroin. When prescription painkillers become unavailable, heroin is an inexpensive alternative. Recovery from opioid use disorder is not likely without professional treatment. Spokane Falls Recovery Center offers opioid rehab in Spokane, WA. Call 844.962.2775 to learn how we can help you or a loved one.
How to Tell if You or a Loved One is Struggling with Opioid Abuse
Opioids activate receptors on cells throughout the body to block pain signals and release large amounts of dopamine. Many people falsely believe that medications prescribed by doctors are safe or without risk and develop a dependency without realizing it. The longer one takes opioids, the higher their tolerance becomes. As the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of opioids, it stops natural dopamine production, which is how dependency and addiction begin.
Most people can conceal their dependency and abuse early in opioid use disorder. However, the signs and symptoms become more apparent as the disease progresses. Common behavioral, physical, cognitive, and psychosocial indicators indicate someone is struggling with opioid abuse.
Behavioral Signs
- Doctor shopping
- Lying about pain to procure drugs
- Isolating from friends and family
- Poor performance at work
- Unexplained periods of absence
- Stealing medications or valuables to purchase drugs
Physical Signs
- Constricted pupils
- Gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea
- Scabs, sores, or “track marks” from IV drug use
- Poor motor skills or coordination
- Slurred speech
- Significant changes in appearance, including poor hygiene or weight loss
Cognitive Signs
- Impaired judgment
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor decision-making skills
- Slowed thinking
- Feeling or appearing detached from one’s surroundings
Psychosocial Signs
- Irritability
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Mood swings
- Sudden or unprovoked angry outbursts
Opioid abuse can have significant adverse effects, including job loss, financial instability, homelessness, physical illnesses, damaged relationships, social isolation, legal issues, and overdose.
What Are the Most Commonly Abused Opioids?
Opioids include prescription medications or illegally manufactured versions of them, street drugs, and drugs designed to help treat addiction. Opioids can be derived naturally from the poppy plant, be semi-synthetic or synthetic. The most commonly abused opioids include:
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- OxyContin®
- Dilaudid
- Methadone
- Percocet®
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Vicodin®
- Heroin
Individuals who abuse opioids tend to engage in polysubstance abuse, consuming more than one drug at once. Co-occurring disorders are also common, especially anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and personality disorders.
The Benefits of Treatment for Opioid Abuse
Because of their highly addictive nature, overcoming opioid abuse is particularly challenging and best done with professional treatment. Opioid recovery usually begins with detox. Opioid withdrawal symptoms are a common barrier to treatment. However, a medically supervised detox can help make withdrawal symptoms more manageable.
The real work of recovery begins after detox through evidence-based, holistic, individualized treatment. Some of the benefits of treatment for opioid abuse include:
- Uncovering the underlying issues that contributed to addiction
- Education about opioid addiction and its impacts
- Developing new habits and coping strategies
- Fostering communication and interpersonal skills
- Repairing damaged relationships
- Receiving counseling for past trauma
- Learning to establish healthy boundaries
- Breaking the cycle of addiction
- Learning relapse prevention skills
The longer opioid abuse continues, the more susceptible a person becomes to opioid dependence, as their tolerance continues to grow. Once an addiction develops, most individuals will go to any lengths to acquire opioids. The earlier one seeks treatment; the more successful their chances of recovery will be.
Choose Opioid Treatment in Spokane, WA, at Spokane Falls Recovery Center
Spokane Falls Recovery Center is committed to helping fight our nation’s opioid epidemic. Our opioid addiction treatment programs in Spokane offer the latest evidence-based, holistic therapeutic approaches to help you or your loved one overcome opioid abuse. Understanding commonly abused opioids and their effects are the first step in seeking treatment.
At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we provide comprehensive care and individualized treatment plans to address each person’s unique needs. We also offer a variety of support groups and educational classes to help you on your journey to recovery. When ready to heal from opioid addiction and regain control of your life, choose opioid rehab at Spokane Falls Recovery Center. Contact our team at 844.962.2775.
