What you need to know about opioids

“Opioids” is a word widely recognized in the United States, often evoking complex feelings due to its association with pain management and addiction. When used responsibly and under the supervision of a healthcare professional, opioids can serve as a valuable tool for alleviating severe pain. However, prolonged or improper use of opioids can lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to the presence of the medication and experiences withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. The development of dependence can present significant challenges for individuals, including the possibility of developing an opioid use disorder.

What are opioids

Opioids include prescription painkillers like Vicodin® or OxyContin® and illicit drugs like heroin or fentanyl. They are highly addictive, and misuse can lead to overdose or death. Regardless of whether they are legally prescribed by a doctor or illegally obtained, using them may lead to an opioid use disorder.

How does addiction to opioids form

Opioid use disorder can develop gradually or occur after just one use. However, there tends to be a period in which a person develops a tolerance that eventually leads to dependency on opioids, causing their body to experience physical withdrawal effects when there is a lack of opioids in their system. Opioid use disorder occurs when a person’s behavior is impacted by their opioid use. For example, their cravings for more opioids may increase.

Symptoms of opioid use disorder include:

• Exceeding the prescribed dosage for opioids prescribed by a doctor or using them other than the intended medical purpose
• Meeting with several doctors to get more opioid prescriptions
• Asking friends, family, people on the internet, or illegal sellers for opioids
• Severe mood swings
• Losing interest in people and activities enjoyed before taking opioid
• Risky behaviors
• Unable or unwilling to quit using opioids despite the problems they cause
• Difficult fulfilling tasks that were once easy to complete

How to stop using opioids

Medication-assisted treatment is a comprehensive approach that combines behavioral therapy and medication to treat substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction. MAT has been proven to be an effective tool in helping individuals achieve and maintain recovery.

The benefits of MAT are numerous.  By reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, MAT can help individuals regain control over their lives. It also improves mental and physical health, enabling individuals to engage more fully in their daily activities.

Moreover, MAT has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse, providing individuals with a greater chance of long-term recovery. MAT is available in pill or long-lasting injection form. These options give the brain time to heal—a process that may take several months or more than a year.

Rosecrance uses a variety of FDA-approved addiction medications to treat substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder. These medications work by binding to receptors in the brain that block cravings or limit the pleasurable feeling of opioid use.

These medications include:

• Buprenorphine-based medications, both oral and injectable (such as Suboxone and Sublocade)
• Naltrexone, both oral and monthly injectable Vivitrol
• Campral
• Antabuse

What should I do if I think a loved one has an opioid addiction

It can be difficult to recognize if your loved one is using opioids in a harmful manner. You may have observed subtle changes in their mood or behavior or noticed that they are overusing their opioid prescription. Even individuals with opioid addiction can maintain stable jobs and seem fine at work and home initially, but eventually, opioid use disorder is likely to result in serious issues. Take a moment to consider your loved one’s risk of opioid use disorder and reflect on any changes you’ve noticed.

Watch for these common signs of opioid use disorder:

• They are taking more than they are prescribed
• Your claims that they need to take them to feel good, normal, or to avoid feeling ill
• Takes opioids “just in case,” even when not in pain
• They plan their day around how to get more pills
• One minute, they’re happy, the next, they are angry or agitated
• Your loved one “needs” to borrow someone else’s prescription because they “lost them” or because they need more before their prescription can be refilled
• Seeks the same prescription from multiple healthcare professionals for a “backup” supply.
• They no longer seem to care about things they once took pride in.
• Makes poor decisions, including putting self and others in danger.

It is not uncommon for individuals to refrain from discussing their concerns because they fear that addressing what they see or feel may lead to the breakdown of their relationship or family dynamics. Often, individuals may convince themselves that they would take action only if the severity of their loved one’s addiction reached a certain level. However, when it comes to substance use disorders, waiting is not advisable. By initiating a conversation and expressing your concerns with your loved one at an early stage, you are helping to bring them closer to receiving the necessary treatment to overcome their addiction.

How does a person overdose on opioids

An opioid overdose occurs when the use of opioids, either alone or in combination with other substances, overwhelms the brain and disrupts the body’s natural drive to breathe. This can happen to individuals who have used opioids multiple times or even to those using them for the first time.

When the disruption to effective breathing is left untreated, it can lead to death. Someone experiencing an overdose may be temporarily revived with naloxone and immediate medical care. Some people experiencing an overdose may require multiple doses of naloxone for revival. After revival, immediate medical attention is necessary as overdose effects can reoccur within 30 to 90 minutes of naloxone administration.

You can identify an opioid overdose by looking for these signs:

• A limp body
• An extremely pale face
• Purple coloring on fingernails or lips
• Vomiting
• A slowed heartbeat
• Unresponsiveness