Opioids are classified as drugs that alleviate chronic pain. They include opiates and synthetic opioids, but produce the same effects, more or less. While opioids are extremely useful for treating pain and substance abuse, they incur the risk of physical dependency and addiction. An estimated 16 million people currently live with or have had opioid use disorder (OUD).
This rapid jump in OUD is cited to the increasing opioid prescription medicines. While drugs like methadone and buprenorphine are used to treat chronic pain, they should be administered under strict supervision to eliminate the chances of dependency.
Signs of Opioid Withdrawal and Addiction
Opioids work on the brain, limbic system, and spinal cord by attaching themselves to protein receptors. These mu receptors are responsible for blocking pain and producing pleasurable feelings. This activates the reward circuit and leads to addiction over time.
When this happens, a lack of the particular opioid creates withdrawal symptoms, some of which are mentioned below:
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Body aches
- Sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Elevated heartbeat
- Hallucinations
These withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the particular opioid drug you’re taking. If you experience any of these signs, you should consider opioid detoxification.
What is Opioid Detox?
Opioid detox isn’t particularly life-threatening, but quitting ‘cold-turkey’ can be dangerous, especially for people with existing health conditions. If you or a loved one suffers from opioid addiction, you should get help by using our free directory for ‘opioid detox center near me.’
Opioid detoxification is the first step to treating opioid use disorder. You should get help at a medically supervised facility to mitigate the chances of a relapse. A proper facility with professional physicians will also manage your withdrawal symptoms better and relieve any severe withdrawal symptoms to make the opioid detoxification process as easy as possible.
How Does Opioid Detox Work?
Opioid detox does not have a one-size-fits-all approach. Since every opioid is different, different detox and treatment options are needed to recover the body. For example, methadone, a less potent opioid, is often used to taper off the body’s dependency on stronger-acting drugs like heroin. This physical withdrawal is coupled with behavioral therapy for maximum efficacy.
The most commonly misused non-prescription opioids are:
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
The most commonly misused prescription opioids are:
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
How Can I Get Help For Opioid Abuse?
People who are battling poverty, unemployment, or other aggravated stressor might be more prone to opioid abuse.
Common signs of opioid addiction include:
- Lack of hygiene
- Social isolation
- Stealing to procure the drugs
- Weight loss
- Decreased libido
- Uncontrollable opioid cravings
If you notice any of the above signs in a loved one, it’s time to start searching for an ‘outpatient opioid treatment near me’ where you can visit them often. Opioid withdrawal isn’t a DIY task and should be carried out under medical supervision. Most people experience severe cravings, which manifest in the form of dangerous withdrawal symptoms, especially during the first 7-10 days.
Make their ordeal a battle they can win by locating a professional opioid detox center where they can get the medical and emotional support they need to recover completely. Opioid detoxification will heal the mind and body both, ensuring there is little to no chance of treading the path of drugs again!
