Opiates Abuse and Addiction Treatment Options
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), opiate use disorder—chronic misuse of opiates—results in significant distress, impairment, and even death. Over 15 million people worldwide suffer from this condition, including more than 2 million in the United States alone. Each year, over 120,000 deaths globally are attributed to opiate overdoses. To provide context: the number of individuals taking opiates regularly is comparable to the combined population of those diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), epilepsy, and arthritis in the U.S.
Opiates are narcotics derived from the opium poppy plant. Examples of naturally occurring opiates include:
The seedpods of the opium poppy contain a sap that is rich in these compounds. Although the terms "opiate" and "opioid" are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings: opiates are naturally derived, whereas opioids are synthetic or semi-synthetic versions of these substances. Examples of opioids include:
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OxyContin (oxycodone)
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Methadone
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Fentanyl
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Vicodin (hydrocodone)
Some mistakenly believe that because opiates are naturally derived, they are less harmful than synthetic opioids. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 44 people died every day from opioid overdoses in 2020. Whether naturally derived or synthetic, prolonged use of these substances can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and severe health complications.
Medical Use of Opiates and Opioids
Both opiates and opioids are primarily prescribed to manage severe pain. Physicians prescribe these medications after careful review of a patient’s health history. They are particularly effective for:
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Chronic pain relief
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Cancer pain management
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Post-surgical recovery
However, the introduction of heroin and other illegal substances derived from the opium poppy has expanded the misuse of these drugs beyond medical purposes.
Why Do People Use Opiates?
Opiates interact with the body’s central nervous system, effectively blocking pain receptors. This makes them especially useful for individuals with chronic or acute pain, such as:
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Cancer patients
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Surgery patients
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Accident survivors
In medical use, opiates provide pain relief and elevate mood by reducing the body's sensitivity to pain. However, recreational users often seek opiates for their euphoric effects, which occur when the drugs activate opioid receptors in the brain in the absence of pain. This euphoria makes these substances highly addictive.
Benefits of Opiates
When used under medical supervision as part of a pain management plan, opiates can:
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Alleviate severe and chronic pain
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Improve quality of life by reducing pain’s impact on daily activities, including:
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Sleep quality
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Appetite
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Energy levels
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Mood
Although opiates can dramatically improve the lives of individuals suffering from debilitating pain, they carry a significant risk of physical dependence and addiction.
Effects of Opiate Abuse
Opiate addiction manifests through various physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms. Some common signs of opiate abuse include:
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Physical Effects:
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Behavioral Changes:
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Doctor shopping: Visiting multiple healthcare providers to obtain prescriptions.
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Misuse of medication: Taking higher doses or using opiates more frequently than prescribed.
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Isolation: Withdrawing from social interactions and relationships.
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Mood swings: Experiencing sudden bouts of euphoria followed by prolonged sadness.
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Secretive behaviors: Lying, stealing, or manipulating to sustain drug use.
When Does Opiate Use Become a Problem?
Some symptoms of opiate abuse are noticeable, such as erratic behavior or visible physical changes, while others are easier to conceal. Individuals struggling with addiction may become adept at hiding their condition. Over time, addiction impairs their ability to function, affecting:
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Personal relationships
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Work performance
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Daily responsibilities
In severe cases, such as heroin addiction, physical evidence like needle marks on the arms, neck, or feet may also be present.
Opiate Overdose
An overdose occurs when the body can no longer cope with the amount of opiates ingested. This can result in:
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Respiratory failure
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Heart attack
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Coma
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Death
Withdrawal symptoms during recovery can also be dangerous without medical supervision. Attempting to self-manage withdrawal is not recommended, as complications such as severe dehydration, heart issues, or relapse can occur.
Recognizing Opiate Withdrawals
Opiate withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 12 hours of the last dose and can last days, weeks, or even months depending on:
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
Treatment Options for Opiate Addiction
The most effective way to overcome opiate addiction is through a comprehensive treatment program. Recovery often begins with medically supervised detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. This process may include:
Rebuilding Life After Opiate Addiction
Recovering from opiate addiction is a challenging but rewarding journey. Achieving sobriety involves:
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Reconnecting with loved ones: Healing strained relationships caused by addiction.
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Building a healthy lifestyle: Incorporating exercise, nutritious meals, and healthy coping mechanisms.
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Avoiding triggers: Steering clear of environments or individuals associated with drug use.
Each day free from opiates marks progress toward a healthier, addiction-free life. Seeking professional help is the first step in regaining control and achieving long-term sobriety.
