Are you or a loved one struggling with an addiction to opiates or opioids? If so, you’re not alone. The opioid epidemic is running rampant nationwide, and though days seem dark, help is available. Of course, before seeking opiate addiction treatment, individuals must recognize and acknowledge the problem. Call Profound Treatment Center to begin your addiction treatment journey today.
What Are Opiates and Opioids?
An opiate is any drug that is extracted naturally from the poppy plant. The opiate class of drugs typically includes morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Of the 259 million prescriptions written drugs such as these annually, about two million people become dependent. Unfortunately, many of these individuals do not seek treatment, and due to the high risk of overdose, that means a lot of lives are lost.
The National Institue on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines opioids as “a class of drugs that include synthetic opioids such as fentanyl; pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine; the illegal drug heroin; and many others.” The use of these opioids is significantly contributing to the opioid epidemic, which is why prevention and education are critical.
What are the Differences Between Opiates and Opioids?
So, what is the difference between opiates and opioids? The words are sometimes used interchangeably. However, opiates refer to natural substances obtained from the poppy plant. Opioids may be natural, but many times, they’re created synthetically in a lab.
The Impact of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in California
Unfortunately, OUD has had a profound impact on California. Back in 2017 alone, there were over 2,000 overdose deaths involving opioids in California. That equates to about 5.3 deaths per 100,000 persons. Of these, the main driver was prescription opioids, coming in around 1,169 deaths in 2017.
Additionally, this crisis has had an economic impact on the state of California. Hopefully, prevention, education, and treatment can reduce the impact of OUD in California. However, before treatment can be possible, individuals must recognize the signs and symptoms of opiate addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Addiction
The signs of opiate addiction can consist of physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators. Some of the signs and symptoms to be mindful of include:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Shallow and slow breathing breathing
- Physical agitation
- Cognitive impairments
- Reduced decision-making skills
- Abandoning professional and personal obligations
- Problems within one’s relationship
- Reckless and erratic behaviors
- Lying or stealing to continue one’s habit
Opiate Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders: Anxiety, Depression, and More
Another key indicator of opiate addiction is the development of co-occurring mental health conditions. That includes experiencing anxiety and depression and, in more serious cases, schizophrenia.
The best way to prevent relapse is through early detection. So, if you recognize any of these symptoms within yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to seek treatment immediately.
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