If you pay attention to the news, one of the things you hear about most often in terms of addiction is the term opioids. Now, some of us may not know exactly which drugs are opioids, but most of us have heard the term at some point and realize that there are a large number of opioids available to nearly anyone. Most of us have likely heard about how common opioid addiction is, but why is that? When it comes to addiction, we also know that it is a complicated disease and that there’s never a straightforward answer to questions about addiction. However, one of the ways to slow the rate of opioid addiction is by making sure that everyone understands what opioids are and how opioid addiction works.
At See Purpose, we believe that people should have all the information they need to make the right decisions about substance abuse and when to get treatment. Understanding opiate addiction, why it is so common, and how opioids affect the body will go a long way in helping people get the treatment they need. We will discuss what drugs are opioids, how opioids affect the body, why addiction is so common, and how to find opioid treatment centers.
What Drugs Are Opioids?
If you haven’t been told, it can be difficult to tell which drugs are opioids when people mention them. Opioids cover a wide range of medications but are typically prescribed as painkillers. Drugs within the oxy family, such as Oxycontin, are all considered opioids, as well as illicit drugs like heroin.
When you go to the doctor for any injury or after surgery, you are typically prescribed opioids as a medication for pain. This is because of the way opiates work: they interact with the central nervous system of the body in order to block pain receptors. This, along with the potency of most opioids, is why they are widely prescribed. Opioids can be used to manage both short and long-term pain with long-acting and fast-release versions of the medication. This makes them a readily available form of treatment compared to over-the-counter pain medication.
How Do Opioids Affect the Body?
Opioids have a drastic effect on the body, as we discussed. The opioid reacts with the central nervous system and essentially blocks the pain receptors in the body, resulting in pain relief. It should be noted that opioids do not stop whatever is causing pain in the body. Rather, opioids simply block the pain signals from entering your brain.
Over time, the body develops a resistance to this effect, and it requires more of the drug to have the desired effects. This chemical dependency is what eventually leads to addiction. Every time a person uses more and more opiates until they wind up needing them daily just to function. Once a prescription runs out, a person will typically resort to other means to get drugs.
Like any other drug that is addictive, opioids can cause withdrawal if a person suddenly stops taking them or tries to detox on their own. The range of symptoms can vary from person to person, but it is always advised that if a person quits using, seek help at a professional detox center immediately. If a person tries to detox alone, it can be dangerous as the body tries to adjust to functioning without the use of drugs. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, which is why it is vital to detox under medical supervision.
Why is Opioid Addiction Common?
The simple answer to this question is that opioid addiction is so common because opioids are the most widely prescribed drug in the United States. Not only are they widely available by prescription, but there has now become something of a street market for them, with versions of Fentanyl and other opioids available to just about anyone who wants them.
Another reason that opioid addiction is so common is due to the fact that most opioids are highly addictive. Not only are drugs like heroin and Fentanyl on the list of opioids, but many of the other opioids approved for medical use and prescribed by doctors run just as high of a risk of being abused.
How to Find Opioid Treatment Centers?
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, the first step is to find a treatment center to get the help they need. At See Purpose, we offer detox, residential inpatient care, and aftercare services in Indiana. Each of these services is vital to the recovery process, and everyone should have access to these services. We believe that a calming and relaxing environment surrounded by dedicated and caring staff is the true way to get the recovery you need and stay on the path of sobriety.
If you’re ready to get Indiana treatment for opioid addiction, contact us at See Purpose today.
