Many different substances have the capacity to develop an addiction to it. By altering the reward system in our brain, they create a physiological need for our substance(s) of choice. However, some substances or classifications of substances are more addictive than others, and opioids are definitely one of them. Whether it is pain medication, heroin, or fentanyl, these particular substances are very addictive and can also be very difficult to quit.

The Appeal of Opioid Drugs

Opioid drugs produce feelings of pleasure and euphoria that can be appealing. They can also literally block pain, which is incredibly helpful for those with chronic or very severe pain. Whether they are taken to escape mental or physical pain, or just to escape, the appeal would not be so great if people understood that opioids have many serious side effects like addiction and overdose. Perhaps people might realize this at a certain point along the path of addiction, but most likely by then they are already physically addicted. 

Opioid Prescription Medications

Medications for pain are sometimes necessary. But sometimes, we get more than we bargain for. The most effective pain medications are opioids, or medications that contain opium, synthetic opium, or drugs that act like opium. Some of the most common pain medications are:

• Codeine

• Meperidine (Demerol)

• Hydrocodone (Hycodan)

• Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Vicodin)

• Oxycodone (OxyContin)

• Oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet)

• Morphine (Kadian, MS Contin)

• Methadone

When these medications are shared or sold illegally, the chances of addiction or dangerous side effects are high because the person taking them is not being supervised by a physician. Taking prescription opioids without medical supervision is very dangerous. High doses can slow or stop breathing until there is a loss of consciousness. The side effects of mixing prescription opiates with other medications or substances can be fatal. In the United States Over 100 individuals die from an overdose on either prescription or illicit opioids every day. These are all deaths that are preventable. Once it is discovered that there may be a physical addiction or a mixture of multiple substances is occurring, it is important to find treatment quickly in order to save someone’s life.

Heroin

A common step-up drug from opioid pain medications is heroin. It works similarly to opioid medications, but is more intense. It also has more serious side effects and consequences as it is more addictive and harder to treat and find recovery. 

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is used medically to treat chronic or severe pain. It is similar in some ways to morphine, but can be up to 100 times more potent, so it is very powerful and addictive. Fentanyl is also a very popular street drug, which is relatively cheap to make, and can easily be mixed with other drugs. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl are responsible for the highest number of deaths in drug overdoses in the United States.

Opioid Dependency

One of the dangers of using opioids is that we can possibly develop a physical tolerance to the medication. Therefore we need more of the drug at a higher rate to produce the same euphoric feeling which in turn increases the chance of substance dependence.

Trying to stop opioids suddenly can result in some physically uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, insomnia, muscle pain, involuntary leg movements, bone pain, and cold flashes with goosebumps. It can be extremely beneficial to seek medical care when trying to stop using opioids because they can make the withdrawal period more comfortable. As mentioned, it can be the withdrawal symptoms that would impede a person’s decision to quit using opioids.

Opioid Addiction

The difference between dependency and addiction is that with addiction, there are chemical changes in our brain that create a physiological need for the drug. This can happen even when we take prescription pain medications under a doctor’s care. Opioid addiction is so strong that we can lose sight of everything else in our life which impacts our work, relationships, family, and other commitments. Opioids hinder our decision making capabilities and therefore an addict can engage in more risk-taking behaviors that can be detrimental. 

Why Opioids Are So Addictive

Opioids make us feel good. Whether it is pain relief or recreational, the euphoria is the feeling we are constantly seeking. The more we use opioids, the more our bodies physically need them. We develop a tolerance for them, which makes us need more at a higher frequency. This tolerance leads to dependency and a chemical change in the brain and eventually into the endless cycle of addiction. 

The use of opioids is meant to help us feel good. To escape from chronic, debilitating pain so that our bodies can heal. However, because our bodies become tolerant, and then dependent on the drugs, before we know it, we are addicted. There are so many different opioid drugs and medications. Too many people take them and become addicted without realizing all of the side effects. Because the risk of overdose is so high, you should seek treatment sooner rather than later. At Rancho Milagro Recovery, we understand how addictive opioids can be and how devastating the opioid crisis is. Call us at (951) 526-4582 and let us help you find your way back from opioid addiction. We use Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) to help lessen your withdrawal symptoms. We are committed to helping you break free of your addiction. You deserve to truly feel good again.

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