Painkiller Drug Addiction Cause And Treatment

Opioid abuse happens when a patient has an insuppressible desire to use the drug despite the knowledge of the side effects. Opioids are considered as psychoactive medications which are often given by the doctor for controlling pain. With addiction, the patient has become so dependent that he continues to use it despite the absence of the condition it was prescribed for.

Addiction sometimes happen when a person use it for recreational purposes without the intention of being hooked with the drug. After several use, the person develops tolerance and desires to increase the dosage to attain the same euphoric effect. Psychological and physical dependence then happen which leads the individual to opioid abuse.

Addictive Opioids

Our body has natural opioids that stimulate the brain to produce endorphins which gives the happy feeling. This does not cause addiction because it's controlled by our limbic system. Opioids produced in the research laboratory or made by plants are the opioids used in the abuse. A few examples are hydrocone, fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, codeine and heroine.

Addiction Symptoms

Patients abusing opioids experience opioid abuse symptoms. It's divided into two categories- the physical and psychological symptoms. Physical symptoms include appetite loss, weight loss, runny nose, red eyes, headache, persistent cough, insomnia and rapid speech. Mental symptoms are uncontrollable cravings and thoughts for the medication, paranoia, hallucinations, personality changes and mood swings.

Therapy

The 1st step of treatment for an addiction from opioids is the recognition of the abuser that he has a problem. Seeking medical assistance must be done when the patient has the desire to change. Motivation is the key to an effective treatment. Treatment programs include pharmacotherapy, a brief dynamic therapy, motivational therapy, behavioral therapy, and counseling.

Pharmacotherapy

Pharmacotherapy is the use of medication to manage the withdrawal symptoms caused by the sudden discontinuation of opioids. Medications often used are buprenorphine and methadone. Synthetic opioids are given to lessen the pain of withdrawal. They copy 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 deal with the temptation of using the medication again as well as dealing with relapse when they occur. When they go out from the rehab facility, they are ready to function normally in the society.

Opioid addiction is an illness that needs to be treated. Don't let it ruin your life.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com