Treatment for Opioid Addiction

What is Opioid Addiction?

Opioids are natural or synthetic (made in laboratories to mimic the properties of natural Opioids) compounds that interact with Opioid receptors on the nerve cells in the body and brain and reduce feelings of pain. Prescription Opioids are meant to be used to treat acute pain (such as recovering from injury or post-surgery), chronic pain, active-phase cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care. Many people rely on prescription Opioids to help manage their conditions under the care of a physician.

With prolonged use, the pain-relieving effects of Opioids may lessen, and the body can develop dependence. Opioid dependence causes withdrawal symptoms, which makes it difficult to stop taking them and leads to addiction. 

Opioids reduce the perception of pain, but can also cause drowsiness, mental confusion, euphoria, nausea, and constipation. At high doses, they can depress respiration. 

Prescription Opioid Pain Relievers Include: 

• Oxycodone (OxyContin®), 
• hydrocodone (Vicodin®),
• codeine,
• morphine, and others. 

Synthetic Opioids include :

• Fentanyl, 
• Methadone 
• Pethidine
• Tramadol,
• and Carfentanil.

In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, including illicit drugs and prescription Opioids, a 2-fold increase in a decade. Fentanyl and Fentanyl analogs (similar compounds) accounted for a significant number of those deaths with nearly 30,000 overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1 Prescription painkillers were involved in nearly 15,000 deaths.

The Opioid crisis was declared a nationwide Public Health Emergency on Oct. 27, 2017.

Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Abuse

Opioid Abuse and Opioid Use Disorder has several symptoms which should not be ignored. According to the American Phycological Association, these symptoms may include:

1. Taking larger amounts or taking drugs over a longer period than intended.
2. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control Opioid use.
3. Spending a great deal of time obtaining or using the Opioid or recovering from its effects.
4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use Opioids
5. Problems fulfilling obligations at work, school, or home.
6. Continued Opioid use despite having recurred social or interpersonal problems.
7. Giving up or reducing activities because of Opioid use.
8. Using Opioids in physically hazardous situations.
9. Continued Opioid use despite ongoing physical or psychological problem likely to have been caused or worsened by Opioids.
10. Tolerance (i.e., need for increased amounts or diminished effect with continued use of the same amount)
11. Experiencing withdrawal (Opioid withdrawal syndrome) or taking Opioids (or a closely related substance) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

Symptoms of Opioid abuse are similar to those found with other commonly-abused substances and even share some of the same characteristics of other types of addictions. However, it is critical to note that Opioids can lead to physical dependence in a significantly shorter time period, sometimes as little as a month. 

Withdrawal From Opioids
At TOPSAIL, we understand that withdrawal from different substances comes with different set of symptoms and challenges. Symptoms of withdrawal from Opioid these drugs can include:

• Muscle pain
• Restlessness
• Watery eyes
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Cramping
• Increased heart rate
• Tremors

Medically monitored detox

Medically Monitored Detox allows your body to rid itself of the influence of opioids in a comfortable, controlled environment. Reducing the risk and managing the withdrawal symptoms can significantly improve your chances of success. 

Medically Monitored Detox can be achieved through a variety of methods, either alone or in combination, including:

• Medications to mitigate the risks of severe withdrawal and/or withdrawal complications
• Nutritional support and physical exercise to promote early recovery.
• Psychological and behavioral counseling and support.
• Supervision by a trained clinical team to manage any emergencies that arise.