One in four people in the United States will experience an opioid addiction at some point in their life. Prescription opioids, like Oxycodone and Vicodin, are addictive substances that can have long-term effects on the health and quality of life of an individual.
They are prescribed to treat pain associated with cancer or a medical condition or provide relief from severe chronic pain. Individuals who take prescription opioids recreationally often do not think of themselves as addicted because they only take these drugs for a short period.
Addiction to opioids can happen to anyone. Most people experience some form of addiction at some point in life, but opioid addiction is especially hard to kick. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek help before it’s too late.
Overview of Opioid Abuse
Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that can be treated with the help of medication. Opioid abuse can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. The most commonly used opioids are heroin, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and methadone.
Opioids are a class of drugs that work on opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors are designed to respond to natural chemicals released by the body during pain or stress. When opioid molecules bind to these receptors they block those natural chemicals from binding which leads to a reduction in pain or stress-related symptoms.
Opioids like heroin and morphine have psychoactive effects which mean they will produce euphoria even if you don’t feel any pain relief at all.
How to Recognize the Signs of Opioid Abuse in Your Loved Ones
Opioid abuse is a growing epidemic in the United States. It’s a deadly issue that affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Opioid addiction can have serious consequences on your loved ones if you don’t know how to recognize its signs.
Common symptoms of opioid abuse include:
- Slowed speech or slurred speech
- Unexplained changes in behavior or mood
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changes in eating habits
- Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and restlessness
How to Help Someone Who is Struggling with Opioid Abuse
Helping someone who is struggling with opioid abuse can be a challenging task. The person might not be ready to receive help or may not know how to ask for it. To get the best results, you should approach them in a calm and non-judgmental manner.
Opioid addiction is a very complex issue and it can be difficult to know what type of help they need or what they want from you. It’s absolutely integral that we stay patient, supportive, and understanding while helping them recover from their addiction. The most effective way to help someone struggling with opioid addiction is by connecting them with treatment centers.
Outpatient LA is the best rehab center for treating opioid abuse. Our treatment center is perfect for anyone looking to recover from opioids in a safe, supportive, caring environment. With our convenient location and easy access to therapy services, we provide the best treatment available for people seeking help.
Discover the next step in your education journey by contacting our admissions team today. You will never have to worry about finding time for a phone call as our representatives are available 24/7 to make sure you have a smooth and successful transition from addiction to a sober life.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and feel like you or a loved one needs help, it’s always the right time to seek the help you deserve. We can provide solutions in order for a healthier outlook on life.
Contact us today! You can shoot us a message for your loved one, or simply for yourself. It’s always the right time to get the help you deserve.