Opiate addiction occurs when prolonged opiate use damages the sensory nerves and the brain—causing cells to stop producing mood-boosting endorphins. Someone who is addicted to opiates then becomes physically and psychologically dependent on the drug.
Opiates vs. Opioids
Many people confuse opiates and opioids. All opiates are opioids. However, not all opioids are opiates.
Opiates are derived from the naturally occurring opium alkaloid compounds found in the poppy plant. Some examples of opiate drugs include opium, codeine, and morphine.
Opioids are synthesized from an opiate that produces similar effects. Some examples of opioid drugs include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet), and heroin.
It is a common misconception that opiates are safer than opioids because they are derived from naturally occurring substances. Opiates are not any safer than synthetic opioids. Both types of drugs produce similar effects and carry similar addiction risks.
Signs of Opiate Addiction
Opiate addiction often develops over an extended period of time, which means the signs of a substance abuse problem can be difficult to spot at first. However, since addiction is a progressive illness, it will eventually be impossible to hide the signs of impairment.
Some of the most common signs of an addiction to opiates include:
- Developing a tolerance and requiring more of the drug to achieve the same effects
- Having cravings for opiates
- Mixing opiates with alcohol or other drugs in search of a stronger high
- Planning daily activities around opiate use
- Declining performance at work or school
- Trouble in relationships with family and friends
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were previously a source of pleasure
- Financial problems stemming from the amount of money spent on opiates
- Having trouble staying awake or falling asleep at inappropriate times
- Erratic moods
- Impulsive actions and poor judgment
- Believing substance abuse is the only way to feel normal
Long-Term Side Effects and Overdose Risks
The euphoric effects of opiates come with a long list of side effects. Long-term abuse of opiates can lead to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trouble concentrating
- Insomnia
- Severe constipation
- Liver or heart damage
- An increased risk of HIV/AIDS
There is also the real possibility of a potentially fatal overdose—especially when individuals are combining more than one addictive substance. Someone in the middle of an overdose may act drunk or uncoordinated with bluish skin, shallow breathing, an erratic heart rate, shrunken pupils, and an inability to communicate effectively. They could also lose consciousness and become unresponsive.
If you think someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Provide as much information as you can about their symptoms and what substances you think they’ve been using. Emergency personnel can administer Narcan (Naloxone) to temporarily block the effects of an overdose, but the victim will still need medical care to prevent organ damage or fatal complications.
Treatment Options For Opiate Addiction
If you think a loved one might be suffering from an opiate addiction, don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s never too late to seek treatment, but getting help early makes the recovery process significantly easier. If you are having trouble convincing your friend or family member to seek treatment, staging an intervention where a larger group shares their concerns may be more effective. If needed, a professional interventionist can be hired to increase the odds of the individual agreeing to get help.
At Mountain Laurel Recovery Center’s Pennsylvania residential drug and alcohol addiction program, treatment is personalized to fit individual needs. However, individuals generally begin the process with a medically supervised detox. This rids the body of abused substances and ensures that the person remains as comfortable as possible while dealing with the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal.
Once a sober baseline has been established, residential treatment should be thought of as an opportunity to focus on recovery free of the distractions associated with day-to-day life. Our clients receive individual, group, and family therapy to help them build the skills necessary for a lasting recovery. Holistic support is provided to promote the various elements of a wellness-focused lifestyle, including good nutrition, regular exercise, and stress-relieving hobbies. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using methadone, buprenorphine (sold under the brand names Suboxone and Subutex), or extended-release naltrexone (sold under the brand name Vivitrol) to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms may also be recommended.
Following graduation from residential treatment, we provide clients with connections to continuing care resources designed to support their transition back to independent living. This may include time in our extended care program, which allows clients to complete Intensive Outpatient Treatment and continue 12-Step participation with sponsorship support in a safe and healthy living space.