Opioid Rehabilitation and Treatment

Although most prescription drugs are used responsibility there is still a growing number of those that abuse prescription drugs. There is also a growing culture of doctor shopping which means that a patient will go do multiple doctors, trying to find a doctor that will prescribe them the medicine then want.

There are lots of prescription drugs that are abused, however they are all broken down into 3 classifications. One of those classifications is Opioids, commonly prescribed for pain relief. Medications that fall within this class-referred to as prescription narcotics-include morphine (e.g., Kadian, Avinza), codeine, oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet), and related drugs.

Opioids effect the brain and body because they attach themselves to proteins called opioid receptors. These receptors are found in the spinal cord, brain and gastrointestinal tract. By attaching themselves to opioid receptors, Opioids can stop the perception of pain. Opioids can also create a euphoric feeling for it’s user by affecting the brain region controls pleasure, this particularly happens when someones takes the medication in a non-proscribed way (ie, injection, snorting etc…).

Short-term withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps, and involuntary leg movements. Long-term use of opioids can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Taking a large single dose of an opioid could cause severe respiratory depression that can lead to death.

If you or a loved on is struggling with an addiction to opioits call our 24/7 addiction helpline: 866-535-7919