Opiates are opium-derivatives that are frequently used in pain relief medication. However, these substances are extremely potent, and if misused, can quickly lead to chemical dependency and addiction. If you or a loved one is showing signs of an opiate problem, reach out to a clinic near you for immediate help and treatment.
When Is Opiate Use a Problem?
Opiates are usually found in certain prescription medications or are often illegally consumed for recreation at clubs and parties. If you’re wondering when is opiate use a problem, the short answer is when the body starts to crave more and more of it. In other words, once the body develops a tolerance and a chemical dependence on opiates, it is time to seek professional help on how to get off opiates.
The powerful chemicals in opiates act on the brain, producing intense “euphoric” sensations and pain relief. However, once the body develops a tolerance to the substance, it needs more and more of it in order to produce the same effects. Meanwhile, a chemical dependence on opiates means that without the substance, the body cannot function normally.
If left unchecked, opiate use can drastically affect an individual’s physical and mental health, culminating in addiction.
Signs of an Opiate Problem
Opiate use becomes a problem when the patient begins to abuse their prescription medication. Some of the common opiates found in prescription medication include the following:
- Suboxone (or Buprenex)
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Demerol
- Lorcet
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Naloxone
- Vicoprofen
These opiates may be sold under different brand names depending on the pharmaceutical company. If you’re wondering if your pain relief medication contains opiates, check the labels for the list of substances that the pills contain.
In most cases, these medications are prescribed for a short length of time. Since these are highly addictive, your healthcare provider should gradually decrease the dosage and monitor your symptoms carefully.
The common signs of an opiate problem include the following:
- Taking more amounts of the drug than recommended
- Using the drugs for a longer period of time
- Stealing pills to “get high”
- Visiting multiple doctors or medical shops to get higher quantities of the drug
- Lying about opiate use
- Taking opioids and other drugs in order to feel similar effects
If you or a loved one is showing signs of opioid dependence or addiction, get help at the earliest.
Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
Once the body has developed a chemical dependence on opiates, the patient begins to experience severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms if they cannot obtain more of the drug.
The common opiate withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Bone pain
- Stomach cramps
- High blood pressure
If left untreated, the withdrawal symptoms can lead to acute health complications, such as the following:
- Asphyxiation
- Lung infection
- Severe dehydration
- Suicide ideation and tendencies
Moreover, the intense cravings for opiates might also result in an accidental drug overdose, in which case the patient must be immediately rushed to a hospital.
Find Help and Healing at an Opiate Rehab Center Near You
No matter how serious the condition, recovery from opiate use is possible for everyone. Quitting cold turkey on one’s own is never recommended because of the severe side effects and painful withdrawal symptoms. Instead, the best course of action is to seek professional help at an opiate rehab center near you.
The treatment usually begins with a medical detox, where the patient is carefully and slowly weaned off the drug using FDA-approved medications in a clinical environment. The doctors and nurses take every step to ensure the client feels safe and comfortable throughout the process. In addition to detox, the patient also enrolls for counseling and therapy to address any co-occurring mental health issues and trauma.
You deserve a better and happier life. Get the help and healing you need by reaching out for help at a clinic near you today.
