Prescription opioids and heroin are both highly addictive substances. Currently, opioid abuse is considered an epidemic, as the National Institute on Drug Abuse shared that more than two million Americans are addicted to opioids. In addition, every day, an estimated 90 Americans die from an opioid overdose. Opioid addiction is not easy to defeat. Rise Above Treatment offers an opioid rehab in Murrieta, CA, to support your recovery process.
What Is Opioid Abuse?
People addicted to opioids typically begin using to feel euphoric and relaxed. As they continue to use opioids, their tolerance will increase, making them desire more of the drug to relieve pain. And as time progresses, the brain and body will believe that the drug is essential in their lives. Once someone is overcome with addiction, they will constantly desire opioids. If they do not use it, their body will respond in various ways.
Signs of Opioid Addiction
When someone’s brain and the body becomes controlled by their need to have opioids, their behavior will change. Here are some of the greatest signs that someone is actively in opiate abuse:
- No interest in activities and hobbies that were previously important
- Purposefully isolating from friends and family
- Establishing a new set of friends who are drug abusers
- Lack of hygiene – choosing not to bathe, wear clean clothes or brush teeth
- Appearing sad or tired
- Lack of appetite
- Erratic behavior
- Irritability and moody
- Insomnia
- Participating in risky behaviors
- Legal troubles as a result of drug use
- Not attending to home, school, or work obligations
If you or someone you love displays some of these signs of opioid addiction, be sure to reach out for addiction treatment options.
What Are Opiate Abuse Withdrawal Symptoms
It is not easy to stop using opioids. Opioids are so powerful that your cravings will be very strong if you attempt to stop using them. If someone attempts to quit “cold turkey,” their withdrawal symptoms can be very severe. They will have strong cravings that will force them to feel like they need to use them to feel better. These symptoms can last between three to five days. However, some symptoms are present for up to ten days.
Opiate abuse withdrawal symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Shivering
- Tremors
- Vomiting
Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and should be managed under the supervision of an experienced addiction professional.
Avoid Opioid Addiction: One Step At A Time
Prescription medications that contain opioids are just as addictive as heroin. If you have taken opioids to relieve your pain, you must discuss the consequences of using painkillers. A physician or pain medicine specialist will provide you with information to take pain relievers safely.
If you keep painkillers in the house, you can keep others safe by:
- Not leaving prescription medication in the medicine cabinet. Teenagers often want to experiment. Do not provide them with the opportunity to begin abusing drugs.
- Never share your prescriptions, as people who begin abusing opioids often do so from getting from family members or friends.
- Do not throw opioids in the trash. Instead, flush down the toilet.
Get Support For Opioid Addiction At Rise Above Treatment
Opioid abuse is an epidemic that may never end. The drug is so addictive because it can make users feel relaxed and offers an escape from their emotional triggers. Although the thought of going cold turkey often seems like a challenge many people want to conquer, it is not easy. You will be met with severe withdrawal symptoms that could make you more vulnerable to use and even overdose.
A medically-supervised treatment program is the best way to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. At Rise Above Treatment, we provide medical treatment, mental health counseling, and other forms of support to help fight the opioid epidemic. Contact (877) 641-0717 for more information.
