Addiction to opioids

Addiction to opioids: Understanding and Overcoming

Prescription painkiller addiction and dependence has reached pandemic proportions in the United States and around the world. In 2012, an estimated 2.1 million persons in the United States suffered from substance use problems linked to prescription opioid pain medications, according to federal data. 1 Every day, 78 Americans die from an opioid-related overdose, which includes both prescription drugs and illegal opioids like heroin, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Statistics.

Morphine, codeine (Tylenol-3), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), and oxycodone (Vicodin, Lortab) are examples of opioid drugs (OxyContin, Percocet). While these medications are excellent at decreasing pain, even when used as prescribed, people might become physically dependent on them.

It's difficult to break free from drug addiction. There are, however, a variety of therapeutic options available, and psychologists are an important element of the treatment team.

Understanding the physical effects of opioid addiction

Opioids are quite effective at relieving pain, especially short-term pain like that caused by injuries or surgery. Opioids, on the other hand, are ineffective in the treatment of chronic pain. People often build a tolerance to drugs after using them for a long time. To achieve pain relief, they must increase their doses due to tolerance.

When people acquire tolerance to a medicine, they may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it. Runny nose and eyes, nausea, diarrhea, hot/cold flashes, goosebumps, muscle aches and pains, sleeplessness, excessive yawning, anxiety, and agitation are all common opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Even if you take your drugs exactly as prescribed, you can become physically addicted to them. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor or a pain medicine specialist if you see signs of dependence. They can help you reduce your risk of developing an opioid addiction.