subject: Painkiller Drug Addiction Signs And Therapy [print this page] Opioid abuse happens when a patient has an insuppressible desire to use the medication despite the knowledge of the effects. Opioids are psychoactive drugs which are often given by the doctor for managing pain. With addiction, the patient has become so reliant that he continues to use it despite the absence of the condition it was prescribed for.
Addiction sometimes happen when an individual use it for recreational purposes without the intention of being addicted with the drug. After several use, the person develops tolerance and desires to increase the dosage to attain the same euphoric effect. Mental and physical dependence then happen that leads the person to opioid addiction.
Addictive Opioids
Our body has natural opioids that stimulate the brain to release endorphins which gives the happy feeling. This doesn't cause addiction because it's controlled by our limbic system. Opioids produced in the research laboratory or made by plants are the opioids utilized in the abuse. A few examples are fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine and heroine.
Addiction Symptoms
Patients abusing opioids experience opioid abuse symptoms. It is divided into 2 categories- the physical and mental symptoms. Physical symptoms include appetite loss, weight loss, runny nose, red eyes, headache, persistent cough, insomnia and rapid speech. Psychological symptoms are unmanageable cravings and thoughts for the medication, hallucinations, paranoia, mood swings and personality changes.
Treatment
The first step of opioid abuse treatment is the recognition of the abuser that he has a problem. Seeking medical help should be done when the patient has the desire to change. Determination is the key to an effective treatment. Treatment programs include pharmacotherapy, a brief dynamic therapy, behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, and counseling.
Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacotherapy is the use of medicine to manage the withdrawal symptoms brought about by the sudden discontinuation of opioids. Medications often used are methadone and buprenorphine. Synthetic opioids are given to lessen the pain of withdrawal. They mimic the effects of opioids without being addicted.
Drug counseling
Counselling helps the patient on how to live a drug-free life outside the treatment facility. They are given the information on how to handle the temptation of using the drug again as well as dealing with relapse when they occur. When they go out from the treatment center, they're ready to function normally in the society.
Opioid addiction is an illness that must be treated. Do not let it ruin your life.
