Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction continues to contribute to the deathly drug overdose epidemic across the United States. Since the first wave of deaths swept the nation in the 1990s, opioid abuse has been a constant threat to the lives of countless Americans. While opioids often serve an important role in the treatment of various medical conditions like chronic pain, the risks they impose on communities nationwide cannot be ignored.
As awareness of the devastating consequences of opioid addiction grows, the demand for effective prevention and treatment options becomes increasingly crucial. Now, more than ever, it is important to understand the life-saving benefits of opioid addiction treatment.
What Is Opioid Addiction?
Currently, we are living during an opioid crisis. The opioid overdose epidemic refers to the sad reality of increased drug deaths, particularly caused by opioids. The statistics have steadily risen since the first wave of the crisis in 1999. Almost 107,000 people died by overdose in 2021, and roughly 75% were opioid-related. These numbers are due to prescription medication and street drugs alike, as all are addictive.
It’s important to realize that opioids are habit-forming because they alter one’s neurochemistry. Once a person becomes dependent, they’ll likely experience ongoing cravings — even after they’re sober. Essentially, opioids interact with nerve cells, which intake sensory input and send information to the brain and body. Opioids bind to the opioid receptors in the brain and create new, enjoyable feelings in the body. They block feelings of pain, instead sending out dopamine. In effect, the brain adapts over time and requires more of the same substance to create the same response. Since the feelings are so pleasurable, the brain wants more as soon as the drug begins to wear off. This is the cause and effect of drug cravings and how dependence is formed.
What Causes an Opioid Addiction?
While the exact cause of opioid addiction varies, certain individuals may possess a higher susceptibility to developing opioid addiction compared to others. Common risk factors associated with opioid addiction include:
- Genetics
- Untreated mental illness
- History of trauma
- Early exposure to drug or alcohol use
- Unhealthy living environment
- Past or current substance abuse
While these characteristics do not always lead to opioid addiction, individuals who experience one or more of these risk factors are more likely to misuse and abuse opioids.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid abuse, please reach out for help today.
What Is An Opioid?
Opioids belong to a class of drugs that interact with specific receptors in the brain, resulting in both pain relief and feelings of euphoria. While doctors may prescribe opioids for pain management, they also carry a significant risk of abuse and addiction. In fact, opioid-related overdoses claim thousands of lives each year.
With such a powerful effect initiated in the brain, opioids are clearly potent substances. Many people aren’t aware of the origins of opioids, nor the life-altering effect they’ll have. Additionally, people who develop their addiction from prescription opioids might think they can’t form an addiction because they use it for real issues. Yet, the type of opioid doesn’t matter. All can lead a person to develop dependence.
Medical opioids are equally as addictive as street drugs because they stem from the same root ingredient. There are two similar classifications of the drug: opioids and opiates. Opioid is the overarching term for both, but they do differ in origin.
Opiate vs Opioid
Although the terms “opiate” and “opioid” are often used interchangeably, they actually have distinct meanings.
- Opiates: Opiates are all-natural substances created from the poppy. Parts of the plant, like the sap or fibers, are used in the creation of the drugs. Some examples of opiates are opium, heroin, codeine, and morphine.
- Opioids: Opioids can be natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. In this way, it’s more of an overarching term that also encompasses opiates. Overall, opioids refer to lab-made, synthesized substances, including pain medications like oxycodone and fentanyl.
Opioids, as a general category of drugs, are pain relieving and relaxing, but they lead to severe negative effects on physical and mental health. As has been noted, the opioid crisis is a real issue. Opioid addiction spans addiction to all drugs that fall within the category.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of
Opioid Addiction?
Each person who receives treatment will have a different experience of addiction, even if they’re struggling with the same substance. This is because SUD’s effect on people depends on a variety of personal factors. However, opioid addiction tends to follow common physical, behavioral, and psychological signs.
The signs and symptoms of opioid addiction can vary from person to person but may include physical symptoms such as:
- Constricted pupils
- Drowsiness or lethargy
- Confusion or mental clouding
- Slowed breathing
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Skin problems, such as itching or rashes
- Impaired coordination or motor skills
Opioid addiction may also be characterized by behavioral symptoms, including:
- Taking more opioids than prescribed or for longer than prescribed.
- Using opioids in a way not prescribed, such as injecting or snorting them.
- Needing to use opioids to get through the day.
- Continuing to use opioids despite negative consequences, such as legal trouble, relationship problems, or job loss.
- Preoccupation with opioids, such as spending a lot of time thinking about them or obtaining them.
- Hiding opioid use from others
Opioid addiction may also be characterized by psychological symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
This list isn’t comprehensive, and people can experience these symptoms and others in varying degrees of severity. Overall, addiction to opioids takes a serious toll. The facts about opioid addiction are concerning for anyone who knows someone battling OUD.
If you notice any of these indicators of opioid addiction in yourself or a loved one, it’s crucial to seek assistance promptly. Substance use disorder is a dangerous disease, but with proper support and treatment, reclaiming a life of recovery is within reach.
Opioid Addiction Facts & Statistics
People procure Illegal opioids by various means. Unfortunately, people can abuse the pharmacy system by receiving prescriptions from multiple providers. Other times, people obtain painkillers legally but develop an addiction that increases over time. And of course, opioids circulate via the black market and drug trafficking groups.
Opioids are extremely difficult for one to stop taking on their own. Quitting cold turkey has low success rates because of the full-body effect opioids produce, stemming from brain receptors. In fact, opioids’ effects spread throughout the body, especially to the organs, spine, and brain. As a result, addiction can occur from the abuse of any opioid. For instance, roughly 23% of people with OUD are estimated to develop addiction after abusing heroin.
Yet, many people develop addiction through the route of prescription opioid abuse. The rates of prescriptions for opioids have increased significantly over time. In 2010, opioid prescriptions were 4 times greater than in 1999, when the first wave of the crisis began. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) reports that enough opioid prescriptions were written in 2012 for every adult to receive their bottle. This negligence is one of the main reasons so many people suffer from an addiction to prescription opioids.
Unfortunately, after someone with an addiction the prescription opioids runs out of their medication, they often begin abusing illicit opioids. Four out of five people who abuse heroin transitioned to heroin use from prescriptions. With all of that said, people develop an addiction to opioids through many different paths.
If you or a loved one are suffering from opioid addiction, please contact the team at Royal Life Center for assistance in entering professional treatment.
The Consequences of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is a grave and enduring medical condition that can wreak havoc on individuals, families, and communities alike. Its repercussions reach far and wide, affecting every aspect of a person’s life.
Among the most dire consequences of opioid abuse is its detrimental impact on an individual’s health. It gives rise to a myriad of health issues, encompassing both physical and mental realms. Some of the most prevalent ailments associated with opioid addiction include:
- Addiction and dependence
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Mental health problems
- Respiratory depression
- Infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C
- Organ damage
- Overdose and death
If you or a loved one is struggling to cope with opioid addiction and its consequences, opioid detox can provide comprehensive, individualized treatment in a safe and supportive environment to help you take the first step on the path to recovery.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
The Relationship Between Opioid Addiction and Mental Health
Unfortunately, psychological symptoms tend to linger even after a person has reached sobriety. It’s a known concern that illicit drugs like opioids are linked to poor mental health. Many people with SUD also have mental illnesses, and oftentimes drug usage leads to the development of poor mental health. To explain, “Substance abuse may trigger changes in brain structure and function that make a person more likely to develop a mental disorder.” According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIH), such an occurrence is common.
The statistics show the same to be true. Looking at individuals with opioid use disorder specifically, 64% have a mental illness, 27% of which have a serious mental disorder. These numbers are serious because of the extreme results that can come from mental illness and opioid addiction. In short, opioid addiction leads to accidental overdose, but it can also lead to suicide in people with mental diseases. Of the nearly 80,000 overdose deaths from opioids in 2018, an estimated 30% were suicide acts. Sadly, the amount of drug overdose deaths has risen since, with over 107,000 deaths recorded for 2021.
The results are tragic, but the strong effect of opioids on the brain isn’t new information. Opioids activate the endogenous opioid system, which leads to unprecedented emotional processing. According to a study by the British Journal of Pharmacology, they aid emotions like pleasure and anger and inhibit avoidance-based emotions like sadness and fear. The result can be dysfunctional emotion recognition and poor social abilities. All of this contributes to opioids’ negative effects on mental health. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, decreased motivation, and even anhedonia are short- and long-term symptoms that may occur.
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When Do You Need Opioid Addiction Treatment?
Opioid addiction is a grave medical condition that can result in dire consequences when left unaddressed. If you or someone you know is grappling with opioid addiction, it is crucial to promptly seek assistance. Here are a few indicators that may suggest the need for opioid addiction treatment:
- Unable to control your opioid use, including taking more opioids than you intended, using opioids in ways that are not prescribed, or continuing to use opioids even though they are causing problems in your life.
- Opioid use is causing problems in your life, whether this be with your job, your relationships, or your health.
- Experiencing symptoms of addiction and dependence
- Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop taking opioids.
- Overdosed on opioids, which is a life-threatening event that can occur when you take too much of an opioid.
Anyone who misuses or abuses opioids is at major risk of addiction. Once on that path, overdose and even death are close threats. Choosing to receive opioid addiction treatment could be the decision that saves someone’s life. Anyone who finds themselves exhibiting any signs of addiction needs to begin recovery.
If you have experienced any of the other signs listed above and are concerned about your opioid use, it is important to seek help.
How Long Is Opioid Addiction Treatment?
The length of time a person spends in addiction treatment varies based on the individual and their needs. To heal from opioid addiction, people must undergo detoxification. Generally, detox spans about a week, after which the person has reached sobriety. Then, it’s up to them to decide how they want to proceed. Continuing treatment through the follow-up stages is highly recommended for guests to have a successful recovery. The inpatient and aftercare stages that follow detox teach valuable skills and decrease the likeliness of relapse.
Are you looking for help with addiction? Let us support you on the path to lasting recovery
Opioid Addiction Treatment Options
No matter how long someone has abused opioids, it is crucial to acknowledge that their addiction can be effectively treated, with numerous options available. Treatment facilitates cessation of opioid use, and symptom management, and fosters a healthy and productive life.
Common treatment options for opioid addiction include:
- Detoxification: This is the process of safely withdrawing from opioids and is usually done in a hospital or professional treatment setting.
- Medications: Medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during the early stages of recovery.
- Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other treatments, can help people identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
- Support groups: Support groups can provide people with a safe and supportive environment to share their experiences with addiction and connect with others who are going through the same thing.
Properly addressing and recovering from an opioid use disorder often requires a combination of different treatment methods. Thankfully, numerous treatment programs offer comprehensive care to individuals grappling with opioid addiction, ensuring a seamless continuum of care.
Opioid Addiction Treatment at
Royal Life Centers
At Royal Life Centers, we consider every guest as part of the family. Our person-centered approach to care has us work with each person to understand them and how we can best help. Each program is designed to prepare guests to return to daily life — sober and fulfilled. If any guest wants more time in our facilities before resuming regular routines, we are happy to accommodate their wishes.
In reality, we understand how difficult it is to recover from alcohol and drug addiction. We provide integrated care that approaches guests’ addiction holistically. The mind, body, and soul are all affected by drug abuse. For this reason, we work to help guests heal all parts of the pain created by opioid use. If you enter a Royal facility, you can expect to follow a customized care plan and engage in individual and group therapy sessions to address the root of your addiction. You’ll learn coping mechanisms, self-reliance, and life skills like financial readiness and craving management.
Opioid Addictions We Treat
At Royal Life Centers, we help guests who have substance use disorders (SUD), including opioid use disorders (OUD). We offer personalized programs for recovery from addictions including (but not limited to):
- Fentanyl addiction
- Heroin addiction
- Codeine addiction
- Hydrocodone addiction
- Hydromorphone addiction
- Oxycodone addiction
We firmly believe in equal access to effective addiction treatment services, and our mission is to deliver top-notch recovery services to all our clients. Whether you or a loved one is grappling with opioid addiction, we are here to provide the unwavering support required to attain lasting sobriety.
Our Opioid Addiction Treatment Services
At Royal Life Centers, our utmost priority is to offer unparalleled care to individuals battling addiction. We understand that overcoming an opioid use disorder requires intensive and comprehensive support to ensure lasting sobriety. Trust us to provide the care and guidance you need on your journey to recovery.
By opting for treatment at our facilities, you gain access to a comprehensive range of care options. These include a variety of treatment services, such as:
- Medical detox
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Sober living residences
When you decide to seek treatment with us, our diverse and compassionate staff will work with you to build an individualized recovery plan that caters to each of your care needs. Do not hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about how our program can be a great fit for you.
Opioid Addiction Treatment in Washington State
Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights is one of many Royal treatment facilities spanning Washington. We offer facilities for the early stages of detoxification and inpatient treatment, as well as for outpatient and aftercare. Guests can move between centers to continue their recovery and set themselves on a solid path to lasting sobriety. Spokane Heights is a detox and inpatient treatment facility. Take a look at our other options nearby:
- Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights is our detox and inpatient treatment center in Spokane, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Cascade Heights is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Mead, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at The Haven is our detoxification and inpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Sound Recovery is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Puget Sound is our detox and residential inpatient treatment center in Sumner, Washington.
For more information on our treatment centers and how you can get help today, call our 24/7 admissions team at 888-907-0898.
Opioid Addiction 2016 Facts & Figures – American Society of Addiction Medicine
Opioid System and Human Emotions – NIH
Optimizing Care for People with Opioid Use Disorder and Mental Health Conditions – NIH
Prescription Opioids DrugFacts – National Institute on Drug Abuse
Looking for Opioid Addiction Treatment?
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, please reach out to us to find out more about how our opioid detox services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and we have affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one. Because We Care.
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If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder, we hope you’ll begin your journey with us at Royal Life Centers.
