There are over 500 distinct opioid molecules, most of which have been synthesized in laboratories. At least a dozen opioids are accessible through both legal and illegal channels, ranging from codeine to fentanyl. People’s lives are turned upside down because of opioid use disorders (OUDs). Opioid addiction treatment can help you begin a lasting recovery.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid or prescription drug abuse, know that help is available at The Right Step Houston. Addiction is a disease, and you can escape its shadow through treatment and support.
What Is an Opioid?
Six millennia ago, ancient Sumerians began to extract opium from the opium poppy plant because they’d discovered its euphoric and pain-relieving effects. Ever since, opium, its derivatives, and variations manufactured in laboratories have been used for both medical and nonmedical purposes.
Additional opiates, codeine, morphine, and heroin, were derived from opium in the 19th century. In the 20th century, synthetic formulations of these drugs appeared in research labs, originally intended for improved pain management. These synthetic versions were called opioids and today include such drugs as oxycodone and fentanyl.
Today, opioid is the umbrella term for all drugs with a similar structure that interact with the brain the way the original opium-based drugs do. All forms of opioids are addictive, though most are still available by prescription for pain relief, after surgery, for example, or in response to injuries. The opioid epidemic that began in the 1990s was a result of opioids being widely prescribed for pain with few warnings about the risks of addiction. Prescription drug abuse frequently leads to illicit drug use when prescriptions expire without renewal.
Opioid addiction is serious but treatable. With evidence-based therapies and support from professionals within a rehab setting, recovery is possible.
Signs of Opioid Use Disorder
Whether it’s illicit or prescription drug abuse, opioid use disorder is dangerous. It can lead to many chronic conditions, overdose, and death. What’s an opioid addiction? Being aware of the signs and symptoms is key to understanding it.
Physical signs:
- Slurred speech
- Pinpoint pupils
- Digestive disturbance
- Sleepiness
- Low blood pressure
- Slowed heart rate
Psychological signs:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anger
- Agitation and irritability
- Anxiety
Cognitive signs:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty forming new memories
- Memory loss
- Slowed mental processes
You may notice changes in behavior, such as lying to cover up drug use or stealing to pay for ongoing use. Outbursts of rage or violence can occur, and people with an OUD are likely to do whatever they can to hide the truth from those around them. They self-isolate as a result, which only exacerbates psychological symptoms.
Long-Term Effects of Opioid Addiction
Opioids don’t only affect users in the short term. They can have lasting mental and physical health effects if prescription drug abuse or dependence on any opioid goes untreated. Some of the possible long-term effects of addiction to opioids include:
- Chronic major depressive disorder
- Hormone imbalance
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Heart disease
Also, because of the way opioids interact within the brain, long-term abuse causes physical changes to brain structures. For example, a loss of white matter, which is responsible for helping process information, slows thinking and creates a chronic brain fog.
No one chooses to become addicted to opioids. The drug’s relative accessibility and the fact that it’s also a recognized medical treatment for pain muddies the water and makes it all too easy to slip from medical or casual use to dependence and addiction.
Connect with The Right Step Houston and Begin Opioid Addiction Treatment Today
While opioid use disorder can be devastating, recovery is possible through professional treatment, evidence-based therapies, and a strong support system. At The Right Step Houston, you can expect evidence-based opioid addiction treatment provided by expert professionals.
Don’t wait. Call us at 1.844.768.0169 today or complete our online contact form to connect. Let us help you start your recovery from opioid abuse so you can live your best life.