From Cravings to Recovery
Recognizing the signs of opioid addiction is crucial for early intervention and treatment. To help, there's BRIXADI, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder by helping reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
11 Signs of Opioid Addiction
1. Constipation
Constipation can be a telling sign of opioid addiction, as these medications often affect the digestive system. Opioids, commonly used for pain management, can cause the muscles in the digestive tract to move more slowly, leading to infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool.
2. Physical Dependence
One of the earliest signs of opioid addiction is the development of physical dependence. This occurs when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of opioids, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken. Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, sweating, anxiety and muscle aches, which drive individuals to continue using opioids to avoid feeling unwell.
3. Cravings
Opioid addiction is often accompanied by intense cravings for the drug. These cravings can become overwhelming and make it challenging to quit or reduce opioid use. Cravings may occur even when an individual is not experiencing withdrawal symptoms, highlighting the psychological aspect of addiction.
4. Tolerance
As addiction progresses, individuals may find that they require higher amounts of opioids to achieve the same effect. This phenomenon is known as tolerance and is a clear sign of opioid addiction. Increasing the dosage of opioids can be dangerous and lead to overdose.
5. Risky Behavior
People struggling with opioid addiction often engage in risky behaviors to obtain the drug. This may include buying opioids from illegal sources, stealing to finance their habit or participating in dangerous activities while under the influence. These behaviors can have severe legal and personal consequences.
6. Obsessive Thoughts
Obsessive thoughts about the next fix are another hallmark of opioid addiction. Individuals may find it challenging to focus on anything else, as their thoughts are consumed by the need to obtain and use opioids.
7. Mood Changes
Opioid addiction can lead to significant mood swings. Individuals may experience euphoria while under the influence of the drug, followed by periods of irritability, depression or anxiety when not using. These mood changes can strain relationships and hinder daily functioning.
8. Doctor Shopping
Some individuals with opioid addiction will seek prescriptions from multiple doctors to maintain their supply of opioids. This deceptive practice, known as doctor shopping, is illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences.
9. Using Opioids Without Pain
Taking opioids “just in case” there will be pain or when there is no legitimate medical need for pain relief is a clear sign of addiction. Opioid misuse in this manner can lead to a host of health problems and increase the risk of overdose.
10. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Opioid addiction can disrupt sleep patterns. Some individuals may struggle with insomnia, while others may experience excessive sleepiness. These disturbances can exacerbate the physical and emotional toll of addiction.
11. Frequent Flu-Like Symptoms
Individuals addicted to opioids may frequently experience flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose, chills and muscle aches when they are unable to use the drug. These symptoms are part of opioid withdrawal and are a strong indicator of addiction.
How Opioid Addiction Works
Opioids, whether in the form of prescription painkillers or illegal drugs like heroin, work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors, known as opioid receptors, are part of the body's natural pain management system. When opioids attach to these receptors, they reduce the perception of pain and produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
However, with continued use, the brain adapts to the presence of opioids, leading to physical dependence and tolerance. Over time, individuals require higher doses to achieve the same effects and when they try to stop using opioids, they experience withdrawal symptoms, reinforcing the cycle of addiction.
Treatments for Opioid Addiction
Breaking free from opioid addiction is challenging but not impossible. Various treatments are available to help individuals on their path to recovery.
Detoxification: This is often the first step in treatment, where individuals are supervised as they go through withdrawal. Medical professionals can provide medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and make the process more manageable.
Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, can help individuals change their thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT combines medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone, with counseling and therapy to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
Support Groups: Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery provide a sense of community and shared experiences, which can be invaluable in recovery.
BRIXADI: BRIXADI is a medication used as part of MAT for opioid addiction. It contains buprenorphine, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. BRIXADI is administered as a monthly injection, offering a convenient option for individuals in treatment.
Final Notes
Opioid addiction is a growing crisis that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Whether it begins innocently with a prescription for pain management or through recreational use, opioid addiction can take hold quickly, leading to devastating consequences for individuals and their loved ones.
Recognizing the signs of opioid addiction is crucial for early intervention and improved outcomes. From physical dependence and cravings to risky behaviors and mood changes, these signs can vary in intensity but often overlap in individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Understanding how opioids work in the brain and the available treatment options, can provide hope for those seeking recovery. With the right support and treatment, individuals can break free from the cycle of opioid addiction and regain control of their lives.