Opioid Addiction Treatment
What are opioids?
Opioids are chemicals that work by attaching themselves to opioid receptors found in the gastrointestinal tract as well as the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are some of the world’s oldest known drugs as evidenced by the use of the opium poppy which predates recorded history. There therapeutic benefits were widely recognized and their painkilling (analgesic) effects led to their popularity for recreational use. These effects stem from three elements:
- a decreased perception of pain
- a decreased reaction to pain
- an increased tolerance for pain
Opiates are common in cough suppressants but normally display the following side effects:
- constipation
- euphoria
- respiratory depression
- sedation
It is the euphoric effects of opioids that makes them so tempting where recreational use is concerned. With ongoing medicinal or recreational use, a tolerance begins building and a dependency can easily develop due to the fact that opioids are extremely addictive. As a result of their and many rehab centers today offer opioid addiction treatment.
Opiate dependency and withdrawal
There are three common drugs that lead to opiate dependency – heroin, OxyContin, and Vicodin. When the use of opioids is abruptly discontinued, withdrawal symptoms are quite common. The medically supervised detox is less intensive as the withdrawal symptoms are reduced considerably while the non-medical and natural rehab can be extremely unpleasant.
Common withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction when undergoing opioid addiction treatment:
- anxiety
- chills and sweats
- depression
- insomnia (sleeplessness)
- pain
- relapse
Less Frequently occurring side effects are:
- biliary or ureteric spasms
- bradycardia / tachycardia
- confusion
- delirium
- dizziness
- flushing
- hallucinations
- headache
- hypothermia
- muscle rigidity
- urinary retention
Men who take moderate to high doses of opioid painkillers are likely to develop sub-normal testosterone levels. If left untreated, this can develop further into decreased muscle strength and osteoporosis. Lie any other drug addiction, chronic addictions and overdose can lead to fatalities.
Contact our facility for help
If you or a loved one is suffering with opioid dependency, we encourage you to contact the Delray Recovery Center by calling the toll-free phone number above. We can customize an opioid addiction treatment program that will effectively address your personal needs so that you can live substance-free for the rest of your life.
