Opioid Addiction

“Opioid” is a blanket term to describe drugs that are either natural or synthetic versions of opiates (drugs that have been derived naturally from the seeds of the opium poppy plant), including both heroin and prescription painkillers. Opioids work like all drugs - by attaching themselves to the chemicals in your brain known as neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers facilitate communication between the billions of neurons in your brain that control every thought and function of your body. In the case of opioids, they attach themselves to the dopamine neurotransmitters. Dopamine is found in two sections of the brain - in one, it governs speech and movement, while in the other, it stimulates the sensations of reward and pleasure. Our bodies produce natural opioids, which attach themselves to the endorphin neurotransmitters. When activated, endorphins block the stress and pain receptors in your brain, and cause you to feel a rush of euphoria and calm. This is why opioids are such effective pain relievers - they attach to dopamine chemicals and create a pleasurable feeling, as well as mimicking natural opioids and causing a blissful, pain-free endorphin rush. It’s easy to see, then, why opioids are so highly addictive. Their powerful effect on the brain creates a potent rush that no amount of naturally released endorphins and dopamine can achieve. The only way to repeat the experience is to use the drug again, which will quickly evolve into dependence and then addiction. Besides the fact that no amount of the drug will be able to replicate that “first-time” rush, repeated use of opioids causes the brain to think that it has enough dopamine and endorphins, so it slows the natural production of these chemicals.

Prescription Opioid Addiction

Unfortunately, opioid addiction often happens unintentionally. Many, if not most, people began using prescription opioids for legitimate reasons, like managing pain after surgery or an injury. But by the time they no longer need the high-powered pain relief found in opioids, their brain has already been affected enough to cause dependence, which can lead to abuse and addiction. Some of the most common prescription opioids available include (but are not limited to):

Codeine
Morphine
Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Methadone
Fentanyl

Addiction starts when a person develops a tolerance to opioids, and has to continuously increase the amount of the drug they use so that they can achieve their high. Physical dependence (meaning that if they stop taking the drug, they will go through withdrawal), and psychological dependence (cravings for the drug) then follow. Because tolerance never “levels out,” an opioid addict will continue to need increasing amounts of the drug to function. Besides ruining them financially, opioid addiction is the number one cause of drug overdose in the U.S. There are an estimated 91 deaths daily due to abuse of prescription opioids.

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Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

Addiction to opioids can cause both physical and behavioral changes. If you notice any of the following in yourself or someone else, they may be struggling with an opioid addiction:

Noticeable elation or euphoria
Mood swings
Filling multiple prescriptions from multiple doctors
Sudden unexplained financial problems
Isolating themselves, or having problems in relationships
Confusion
Drowsiness, nodding off, or losing consciousness
Slowed breathing
Pupil constriction

The main long-term effect of opioid addiction is simply the addiction itself. It destroys your health - not just physical, but financial and relationship health - and personal integrity. The addiction takes precedence over everything, and the uncontrollable habit can cause addicts to resort to crime, or to turn to a drug like heroin, which is a cheaper way to get the same type of high.

Treatment for Opioid Addiction

When you come to Tree House Recovery PDX, you will discover that our eight interconnected treatment modalities revolve around healing you as a whole person, not just addressing the symptoms of addiction. Our program is highly adaptive, and designed to provide each person with a recovery plan that addresses their individual needs, so that they can achieve complete and lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with an opioid addiction, contact us today at 503-850-2474 and let us help you take the first step towards recovery.

Understanding opioid addiction

Understanding opioid addiction can allow you to help a loved one who may be addicted. It is important to be familiar with the modes of use, street names, and signs of opioid addiction. If you suspect that a loved one is abusing opioids, please call us at 503-850-2474.