How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Opioids?

Stressed woman asking herself how long does it take to get addicted to opioids.

For anyone who has been prescribed opioid pain medication or is concerned about opioid use, a common question to ask is, “How long does it take to get addicted to opioids?” Opioids are commonly prescribed for pain management, but they also carry a high risk for dependence and addiction, even when taken as directed. The timeline for addiction is not the same for everyone, and in some cases, opioid dependence can develop faster than many people expect.

At Outpatient Los Angeles, we help clients understand substance use risks and provide outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. Learning how opioid addiction develops, and what factors influence that timeline, can help people make informed decisions and seek support early.

 

How Opioid Addiction Develops

Opioids work by binding to the receptors in the brain and nervous system that regulate pain and pleasure. In addition to relieving pain, they also trigger the release of dopamine, reinforcing the brain’s “pathway to pleasure”. Over time, repeated opioid use can change how the brain functions, making it increasingly difficult to feel normal without the drug.

Research shows that physical dependence may develop rapidly in as little as a few days to a few weeks, particularly with daily or high-dose use. Addiction risk increases when tolerance builds or when opioids are used beyond their original medical purpose. This usually means higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, and for some people, psychological cravings and loss of control can develop quickly. This can happen even before a person fully recognizes a physical dependence.

 

A young woman thinking about how long does it take to get addicted to opioids.

 

Factors That Affect How Quickly Opioid Addiction Can Occur

There is no universal timeline for opioid addiction, but several factors can influence how long it takes, including:

  • Type and strength of opioid (for example, oxycodone, hydrocodone, or fentanyl)
  • Dosage and frequency of use
  • Length of prescription
  • Personal or family history of substance use
  • Existence of co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression
  • Method of use, including misuse (crushing, snorting, injecting)

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that longer initial prescriptions are associated with a higher likelihood of continued opioid use. For people with underlying trauma or emotional distress, opioids may also become a way to cope, accelerating the transition from use to addiction.

 

Key Takeaways About Opioid Addiction Timelines

So, how long does it take to get addicted to opioids? Dependency can begin within days or weeks, sometimes far sooner than expected. It’s important to note that addiction is not a failure of willpower; it is a medical condition shaped by brain chemistry, exposure, and individual risk factors. Early awareness, responsible prescribing, and timely intervention can significantly reduce harm.

If opioid use has begun to feel difficult to control, outpatient treatment can help without requiring inpatient care. Outpatient Los Angeles offers evidence-based treatment options designed to help clients regain stability while continuing daily responsibilities.

 

FAQs About Opioid Addiction

Yes. Even when opioids are taken as prescribed, the body can develop tolerance and physical dependence. Over time, this may increase cravings or make it difficult to stop without withdrawal symptoms.

Tolerance can begin developing within days to weeks of regular opioid use. Most people do not experience problems after one or two days of opioid use. Still, research indicates that even an initial dose can trigger physiological changes that increase susceptibility to opioid use disorder. As tolerance increases, the same dose produces less pain relief or euphoria, which can lead some individuals to take higher doses or use opioids more frequently. This escalation significantly raises the risk of addiction and overdose. 

Early signs of opioid addiction may include taking opioids longer than prescribed, thinking frequently about the next dose, needing higher amounts for the same effect, or using opioids to cope with stress or emotions. Behavioral changes, such as withdrawal from activities or secrecy around medication use can also signal a developing problem.

Opioid misuse refers to taking opioids in a way other than prescribed. That could include taking higher doses, using someone else’s medication, or using opioids for non-medical reasons. Addiction, or opioid use disorder, involves ongoing cravings, loss of control over use, and continued use despite negative consequences. While misuse can increase the risk of addiction, not everyone who misuses opioids develops an addiction. Early intervention can help prevent misuse from continuing.

Yes. Different opioids vary in potency, duration, and how quickly they affect the brain’s reward system. Short-acting or high-potency opioids—such as oxycodone or fentanyl—may increase addiction risk more quickly than lower-potency opioids. Regardless of the medication, repeated exposure can lead to tolerance and dependence over time, which is why careful monitoring and prescribing practices are important.

Yes. Outpatient treatment can be effective for many people with opioid use disorder, particularly those with stable living environments and strong support systems. Outpatient care often includes medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), therapy, and ongoing monitoring, allowing individuals to address addiction while continuing work, school, or family responsibilities. For people who do not require medical detox or 24-hour supervision, outpatient treatment can provide flexible, evidence-based support.

Without treatment, opioid use disorder can worsen over time, increasing the risk of overdose, physical health complications, mental health challenges, and relationship or employment difficulties. Untreated opioid addiction is also associated with higher rates of emergency department visits and long-term health consequences. Early treatment can reduce these risks and support safer, more sustainable recovery.

If you or a loved one is concerned about opioid use, we recommend talking with a healthcare provider about how you are using opioids and whether alternative pain management options are appropriate. If your use feels difficult to control or is causing distress, seeking a professional assessment can help clarify next steps. Early support, especially through outpatient care, can address risks before opioid use escalates into a more serious problem.

Citations:

  1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/dopamine-the-pathway-to-pleasure 
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553166/ 
  3. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/oxycodone 
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6610a1.htm 
  5. https://outpatientlosangeles.com/treatment/california-outpatient/
  6. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/opioid-use-disorder

What is Codependency Addiction?

Man and woman thinking about what is codependency addiction.

Many people ask, “What is codependency addiction?” especially when relationships start to feel exhausting or unbalanced. Codependency addiction is a pattern where someone relies too much on others for their self-worth, identity, or sense of purpose. This often happens when a person puts other people’s needs ahead of their own. Codependency is common in relationships affected by substance use, mental health struggles, or long-term stress.

For many people, codependency develops slowly and can look like caring or being loyal in the beginning, but goes too far over time. At Outpatient Los Angeles, we help individuals recognize unhealthy relationship patterns and learn how to set healthier boundaries through evidence-based outpatient treatment. Understanding codependency addiction can be an important step toward better emotional balance, stronger relationships, and long-term recovery.

Woman thinking about what is codependency addiction

 

Understanding Codependency Addiction

When exploring what is codependency addiction, it helps to understand that it is not an official clinical diagnosis, but a widely recognized pattern in behavioral health and recovery settings. It describes a pattern where someone consistently prioritizes others’ needs, emotions, or behaviors while ignoring their own. Over time, this can lead to burnout, resentment, anxiety, and loss of self-identity. Signs of codependency might include:

  • Difficulty setting or maintaining boundaries
  • Strong fear of conflict, abandonment, or rejection
  • Feeling responsible for others’ emotions or choices
  • Gaining self-worth primarily through helping or fixing others

Healthy recovery involves building autonomy, emotional regulation, and supportive—but not enmeshed—relationships. Codependent patterns can interfere with these goals by reinforcing emotional dependence rather than personal growth. Codependency addiction may develop in families affected by addiction, trauma, or inconsistent caregiving, where emotional needs were unmet, or safety depended on managing others’ behavior.

 

How Codependency Addiction Affects Recovery and Mental Health

In recovery settings, codependency addiction can make healing more complex. Individuals may focus on controlling or rescuing others while neglecting their own treatment needs. Emotional distress in relationships may trigger anxiety, depression, or relapse risk.

Recovery is supported by developing healthy coping skills, emotional independence, and stable relationships. When self-worth depends on others’ behavior, stress levels increase, and emotional regulation becomes more difficult.

Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify codependent patterns, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and learn to build healthier connections. According to the University of Michigan, CBT “focuses on the present, rather than on past history, to help people recognize and modify unhealthy thought and behavior patterns.” Outpatient treatment allows individuals to practice these skills in real-life relationships while receiving structured support.

 

Moving Toward Healthier Relationships

Codependency addiction can quietly shape relationships, emotional health, and recovery by placing self-worth in the hands of others. While these patterns often develop as a way to cope, they can limit growth and increase emotional distress over time. Learning what is codependency addiction—and how to address it—can support healthier relationships and long-term well-being.

At Outpatient Los Angeles, outpatient mental health and recovery programs help individuals build self-awareness, create emotional balance, and learn skills for healthier connections. Support is available, and change is possible.

 

FAQs About Codependency Addiction

No. Being caring or supportive involves mutual respect, boundaries, and shared responsibility. Codependency addiction occurs when caring becomes tied to self-worth or fear, such as believing you are only valuable if others are okay. In healthy relationships, people can support one another while still honoring their own needs and limits. Therapy can help individuals learn the difference between compassion and over-responsibility.

Common signs include difficulty saying no, fear of being alone, ignoring personal needs, and feeling responsible for others’ emotions or choices. Someone may feel anxious when not needed or experience guilt when setting boundaries. These patterns can feel automatic and are often learned early in life. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward change and healthier relationships.

Definitely. Therapy can help individuals understand where codependent patterns came from and how to change them. CBT helps challenge beliefs tied to self-worth and responsibility, while ACT supports values-based decision-making and emotional flexibility. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that psychotherapy (“talk therapy”) can improve emotional regulation, relationship skills, and overall mental health.

No. Codependency addiction is a learned pattern, not a fixed trait. Many people develop codependent behaviors as a way to cope with stress, trauma, or unstable relationships. With awareness, therapy, and practice, these patterns can change. Learning to set boundaries, identify personal needs, and build self-trust can support long-term improvement. Recovery focuses on progress, not perfection, and many people find that healthier relationship habits grow stronger over time.

Yes. Codependency often develops gradually and can feel normal, especially if it was modeled early in life. Many people believe they are simply being helpful, loyal, or responsible. Over time, however, constant self-sacrifice or fear of upsetting others can lead to emotional exhaustion. Because these patterns feel familiar, people may not recognize them as codependency until stress, burnout, or relationship conflict increases. Therapy can help bring awareness to these patterns in a supportive way.

Codependency addiction can strongly impact self-esteem by tying self-worth to other people’s approval or well-being. When someone feels good only when others are okay, their confidence can rise and fall based on things they cannot control. This can lead to anxiety, guilt, or feeling “not enough.” Building self-esteem in recovery often involves learning to value oneself independently of others’ needs or reactions.

Yes. Constantly putting others first can lead to chronic stress, emotional fatigue, and burnout. When personal needs are ignored, the body and mind may respond with anxiety, irritability, or physical symptoms like sleep problems. Over time, this stress can affect mental health and the progress of recovery. Learning to share responsibility and set limits can reduce stress and support emotional balance. 

The first step is awareness. Noticing patterns like people-pleasing, difficulty saying no, or feeling responsible for others’ emotions can open the door to change. From there, therapy can help individuals explore the origins of these behaviors and practice healthier ways of relating. Small steps—such as checking in with personal needs or setting simple boundaries—can lead to meaningful progress over time.

Citations:

  1. https://dictionary.apa.org/codependency 
  2. https://depressioncenter.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/CognitiveBehavioralTherapyCBT.pdf 
  3. https://outpatientlosangeles.com/treatment/california-outpatient/
  4. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies

What Are the Most Widely Abused Drugs in the United States?

Alcohol, one of the most widely abused drugs in the United States.

Unfortunately, millions of people struggle with drug addiction in the United States. Drug addiction can hurt not just your physical health, but also your mental health and relationships with others. There are a wide variety of addictive substances, from heroin to cocaine, alcohol, opioids, and more, that people abuse. In this article, you’ll learn more about the most widely abused drugs in the United States. 

At Outpatient LA, we are a leading outpatient drug rehab that offers individualized addiction treatment for patients to lead healthier, happier lives. From our intensive outpatient program to partial hospitalization, we provide a range of outpatient treatment programs so you can safely break free from addiction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your road to recovery. 

5 Most Widely Abused Drugs in the US

From legal drugs in the United States like alcohol and nicotine to illegal drugs like heroin or cocaine, there are a wide variety of drugs that are abused in the US. Regardless of whether a drug is legal does not mean abusing the substance is healthy. Below are several of the most widely abused drugs in the United States. 

Alcohol

You may be surprised to hear that alcohol is a drug. But, alcohol is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States. Just because alcohol is a legal drug does not undermine its dangerous effects on your body. Not only can abusing alcohol harm your physical and mental health, but abusing alcohol long-term can lead to dependency and addiction. This is why it’s critical to first be aware of the addictive nature of alcohol but also to drink in moderation. If you find you are unable to quit drinking, even when you make an effort to stop, this is a common sign you are struggling with an addiction. 

Marijuana

Marijuana is another widely abused drug in the United States. Although marijuana use has become legalized in a number of states, this does not undermine the dangerous effects of the drug on your brain and body. Similar to alcohol, just because marijuana is legal in many states does not mean that it is not an addictive drug. Many people across the United States fall victim to marijuana addiction. 

Opioids

Opioids are another widely abused drug in the United States. Many people abuse opioids, whether they are abusing a certain opioid medication they were prescribed, or abusing an opioid not prescribed to them. Unfortunately, abusing opioids can not only lead to drug dependency and addiction, but many people overdose and die as a result of abusing opioids.  

Heroin

Heroin is one of the most widely abused drugs in the United States, and unfortunately, many people overdose and die from abusing heroin each year in the United States. Not only can heroin abuse lead to life-threatening consequences, but it can also lead to various physical and psychological issues from raising your risk of heart problems to your risk of experiencing mood swings or irritability when you try to stop abusing heroin.

Nicotine 

Nicotine is another legalized drug that is abused by many across the United States. Although more and more people are understanding the dangers of abusing nicotine from both an addiction perspective and a health complication perspective (ie. increased risk of lung cancer), still many people smoke cigarettes and abuse vaping products, thus raising their risk of dependency and addiction. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about the most widely abused drugs in the United States. Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused drugs, and yet, many people don’t understand how addictive alcohol can be. Although alcohol and nicotine are legal, this does not mean they are not addictive substances. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, it’s critical you seek professional help to break free from addiction. 

At Outpatient Los Angeles, our experienced team offers a broad range of addiction treatment to ensure you have the best possible care for your unique recovery needs. We provide a range of outpatient addiction treatment programs to ensure you receive the tailored care you need to effectively achieve long-term sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your recovery journey. 

The Science Behind Addiction

Addiction is a complex brain disease that harms an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being for the worse. Unfortunately, there are many that hold inaccurate assumptions about addiction and addiction recovery. Drug addiction involves your body developing a physical dependency on a certain substance. In this article, you’ll learn more about the science behind addiction so you can better understand what occurs in the brain and body when an individual is struggling with addiction. 

At Outpatient LA, we are a leading outpatient drug rehab that helps patients break free from addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. We help patients not only overcome addiction but improve their mental health and well-being so they can lead a healthier, happier quality of life. Gone are the days of suffering in silence with your addiction- help is available. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your road to recovery. 

Addiction Is A Brain Disease

As mentioned above, addiction is a brain disease that involves an individual’s inability to control their abuse of a particular addictive substance, despite knowing the harmful impacts the drug abuse has on their health and quality of life.

When your body begins to consume an addictive substance, it experiences a surge in dopamine. Dopamine is essentially a pleasure or “feel good” hormone that your body naturally releases when it experiences pleasurable experiences, such as eating food. However, when you experience spikes of dopamine externally, such as when you get a dopamine spike from abusing a drug, over time this lowers your body’s natural release of dopamine because your body begins to expect the spike of dopamine it receives when it abuses drugs or alcohol. 

The Brain and Body Develop a Dependency on Drugs

As the brain and body adapt to the consumption of addictive substances, it will inevitably lower its natural production of dopamine due to the expectation of you abusing drugs. This causes your body to not only develop a dependency or addiction to the addictive substance, but you also will experience difficulty controlling your consumption of the drug. For example, what may have started out as you experimenting or using a drug recreationally can over time turn into an addiction and inability to quit abusing the drug. 

Not only will your brain and body adapt to the drug, but you will experience short-term withdrawal symptoms when you don’t satisfy your body’s developed dependency on the addictive substance. Plus, you’ll experience significant cravings and urges to abuse the drug and tolerance as your body will adapt to needing more and more of the drug to achieve the same desired effect. Inevitably, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings to abuse the drug can make it difficult for an addict to quit and achieve long-lasting sobriety. 

Not to mention, even if an addict does get clean and achieve sobriety, this does not mean sobriety is guaranteed for life. In fact, 40-60% of people treated for substance use disorders will relapse. This is why it’s critical if you are struggling with drug addiction to seek professional support so you can safely and effectively overcome your addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.  At an addiction treatment center, you’ll be able to detox safely and progress along your recovery journey so you can learn effective coping strategies to get and remain clean. 

Help Is Available 

As you can see, the science behind addiction reveals that addiction is so much more than just having “enough willpower” to quit. Addiction involves altering your brain chemistry where your brain and body learn to expect and become dependent upon that addictive substance to achieve a desired effect. Not only can addiction interfere with your health and quality of life for the worse, but drug addiction in some instances can lead to life-threatening consequences. 

At Outpatient LA, we offer leading addiction treatment so you can effectively overcome addiction once and for all. We understand each patient’s recovery journey is different. That’s why we offer a variety of treatment programs and options to ensure you receive the personalized care you need to lead a healthier, happier life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey. 

The Connection Between Trauma and Substance Abuse

A man covers his face in distress because he is dealing with both trauma and substance abuse issues.

About six out of every 100 people struggle with PTSD at some point in their lives. Left untreated, trauma can significantly hurt your health and quality of life. Many people with trauma may end up turning to drugs and alcohol to help relieve their trauma symptoms. While using substances may temporarily relieve your trauma symptoms, drug abuse can quickly turn into drug dependency and addiction. Keep reading to learn more about the connection between trauma and substance abuse below. 

Outpatient LA is a leading outpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles that helps clients overcome addiction and achieve life-long sobriety. Our compassionate team is here to help you every step on your road to recovery. We offer a comprehensive range of addiction treatment in Beverly Hills so you can receive the tailored support you need to lead a healthier, happier life.

Contact us today to learn how we can best support your road to recovery. 

Signs You May Be Struggling with Trauma

Before diving into the connection between trauma and substance abuse, it’s important to understand what trauma is and why many people may turn to drugs to relieve their trauma symptoms. Sometimes, trauma can be difficult to spot, because each person responds differently to traumatic events. However, if you suspect you may be struggling with trauma, below are several signs to watch out for:

  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Constantly feeling on edge
  • Constantly feeling sad or hopeless
  • Uncontrollable flashbacks or nightmares of the traumatic event
  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Decline in work of school performance

The Link Between Trauma and Substance Use Disorders

Many people grappling with trauma also struggle with mental illness because they may turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve their trauma symptoms. While drug abuse may temporarily ease your trauma symptoms, drugs do not heal your trauma. Not to mention, consistently abusing drugs to mask your trauma symptoms can easily lead to drug dependency and addiction. This is why it’s so critical to seek professional support if you suspect you may be struggling with trauma.

Untreated trauma can not only increase your risk of abusing drugs, but it can overall have a negative impact on your health and quality of life. From hurting relationships with others to impeding your ability to live your life to the fullest, trauma can keep you chained to the past.

How You Can Heal from Trauma and Addiction

Now that you know more about the connection between trauma and substance abuse, it’s critical to understand that there is hope and healing available if you are struggling with either, or both, conditions. There are a wide range of drug rehabs and mental health treatment centers that offer services to effectively manage your addiction and trauma symptoms so you can live a healthier, happier life.

It’s important to note that if you suspect you are struggling with both conditions (trauma and drug addiction), it’s critical you seek treatment for both at the same time. Otherwise, failure to treat one condition but not the other can increase your risk of relapse. Therefore, if you are struggling with trauma and drug addiction, it’s essential to seek professional dual diagnosis treatment to effectively treat both conditions at the same time. 

Break Free of Addiction For Good 

There is a significant connection between trauma and substance abuse. Despite people using substances to ease their trauma symptoms, drug abuse does not effectively heal trauma. So, if you suspect you may be struggling with untreated trauma, addiction, or both conditions, it’s critical you seek professional support so you can lead a healthier, happier life. 

At Outpatient LA, we provide leading outpatient treatment to help you safely overcome addiction and lead a healthier life. Our treatment options include a partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program, and sober living home in Los Angeles.

Contact us today to learn how our team can best support your recovery journey. 

Is It Addiction or a Mental Health Disorder?

Many times, addiction and mental illness go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, many people who struggle with an untreated mental health disorder may turn to drugs to cope. Likewise, many people struggling with addiction may develop a mental health disorder because of the debilitating effects of addiction. If you are unsure if you are struggling with an addiction or a mental health disorder, keep reading.

Outpatient LA is a leading outpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles that is here to help as many clients as possible overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. We understand that no two recovery journeys are ever the same. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of California drug and alcohol rehab programs so you can receive the right care for your unique recovery needs. Contact us today!

Signs You Are Struggling with Addiction

Addiction is a debilitating disease that can harm your health and quality of life for the worse. Addiction impacts your brain chemistry and causes you to develop a dependency on the substance or behavior you are addicted to. Unfortunately, many people who abuse addictive substances are inevitably at a heightened risk of developing a drug addiction.

If you are unsure of whether or not you are struggling with a drug addiction, below are several common signs to look out for:

  • Being unable to quit abusing a drug or alcohol
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t consume the drug
  • Developing a tolerance such that you need to consume more to achieve the desired effect
  • Engaging in riskier behavior than usual 
  • Being in denial or defensive of your drug or alcohol abuse
  • Obsessing over the next time you’ll be able to use the drug

Along with the above signs, you’ll also likely be struggling with general physical and mental health decline, from a lack of motivation and energy to an overall decline in work or school performance.

Signs You Are Struggling with a Mental Health Disorder

There is a wide variety of mental health disorders. It’s critical to first understand that each type of mental health disorder has its own set of unique signs and symptoms. In general, if you suspect you may be struggling with a mental health disorder, below are several signs and symptoms you should look out for:

  • Mood changes
  • Significant sleep changes
  • Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed 
  • Lack of energy or motivation
  • Decline in work or school performance

Are You Struggling with a Co-Occurring Disorder?

If you are struggling to know if you are suffering from an addiction or a mental health disorder, you may have a co-occurring disorder. This means that you may be struggling with a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time.

Many people who struggle with an addiction are also at risk for suffering from a mental health disorder (and vice versa). In fact, according to SAMHSA, around 21.5 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder. If you suspect you are struggling with a co-occurring disorder, it’s critical you seek a professional diagnosis so you can receive the right support for your exact recovery needs. This is because people diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder need to seek treatment for both their conditions at the same time. Otherwise, failure to treat one condition but not the other can increase their risk of relapsing. 

Help Is Available 

Millions of people struggle with addiction and mental illness each year. Whether you are struggling with a substance use disorder, mental illness, or co-occurring disorder, it’s critical you seek the professional support you need to safely and effectively recover and lead a healthier, happier life. You should never feel alone when it comes to receiving the help you need to treat your addiction or a mental health disorder.

At Outpatient LA, our team of addiction specialists are here to help you every step of the way on your road to recovery. We offer a wide variety of addiction treatment options and programs to meet you right where you are on your recovery journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your recovery journey.