Opiates are a class of drugs which include morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Of the 259 million prescriptions written for these drugs annually, about 2 million people develop an addiction, with many addicts never seeking help for it. Opiates have a high risk of overdose, more so than other drugs, with fentanyl alone killing 56,516 in 2020. Addictions begin as “just” abuse. For example, taking an extra prescription pill might be considered abuse. Eventually, abuse like this will cause the user to develop a tolerance for opiates. The more they take, the more they need to attain the same effects. This potentially deadly course of events is what leads to opiate addiction, which can lead to overdose and death.
Opiate addiction and abuse
SYMPTOMS OF OPIATE ADDICTION
- shallow or slow breathing rate
- physical agitation
- poor decision making
- abandoning responsibilities
- mood swings
- irritability
- depression
- lowered motivation
- anxiety attacks
WITHDRAWAL AND DETOX
The first stage of drug treatment for opiate addiction is called detox. It’s during this phase that you will have to bravely confront your addiction and cope with the withdrawal symptoms that come after you cease using opiates. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- sweating
- anxiety
- nausea
- vomiting
- headaches
- intense cravings
The withdrawal period can be very intense, but when you enter a medical detox, your care team can help keep your symptoms under control and make it much more comfortable. There are many different approaches to detox. Profound offers medically assisted detox, as well as other more holistic approaches.
The workers in Profound will be there for you every step of the way as you confront the problematic first week or two of recovery. Withdrawal symptoms are most intense in the first few days. Once you get past that phase, things get better every day.
TREATMENT
Profound offers treatment for every step of the recovery process, from detox and inpatient treatment, to specialized Professionals and LGBTQ+ Programs. This allows us to craft an individualized treatment plan from beginning to end to specifically suit your needs, and be with you every step of the way.
Seeking help can often be a scary and overwhelming process sometimes, but Profound is here to make that journey just a little easier with our options and support we have available.
Find out all the ways Profound can help you on your journey to recovery.
Sources:
https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/opioid-treatment/opioid-abuse/
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