Since the 1990s, when the opioid OxyContin was approved by the FDA and marketed with erroneous claims to be non-addictive, addiction to pain-relieving drugs has hit crisis levels in the United States. At BrightView, we understand the hold that opioid addiction can have over a person’s life. Our experienced addiction specialists have developed programs to help patients safely navigate the road to recovery. However, the first step toward life-long sobriety is recognizing the signs that you or a loved one need an opioid addiction treatment program. Learn more by calling 888.501.9865.
What We Know About Opioids
- More than 10% of people prescribed opioids for chronic pain develop an opioid use disorder
- Nearly half of those progress to heroin use
- Nearly 20% of patients with chronic pain misuse their opioid prescriptions
All these occur due to the long and short-term effects of opioids and how they stimulate the brain. Opioids produce euphoric feelings by causing a rush of dopamine. Because the abuse of opioids affects nearly all the body’s systems, addiction causes individuals to experience any number of symptoms if their supply is cut off or delayed.
Signs of Opioid Addiction
People who suffer from chronic or acute pain have found relief with prescribed opioids. While most patients can take a prescription opioid without becoming addicted, the risk is still statistically significant. Patients should understand the warning signs of addiction and what to avoid regarding their opioid use. One of the first things at-risk patients do is take one or two unsanctioned doses, thus running out of their prescription a bit early. This is a red flag and the moment to change direction to avoid further steps to addiction. Other signs include:
- Inability to fulfill work and family obligations
- Going to multiple doctors to receive prescriptions
- Significant time and resources spent on acquiring the drug
- Acquiring the drug from non-medical suppliers
Consider these warning signs to be serious if you see them in yourself or someone you love.
What Are the Side Effects of Opioid Addiction?
Long-term drug use, commonly the result of addiction that goes untreated, causes a long list of significant potential side effects, including:
- Overdose/coma/death
- Cirrhosis and other diseases of the liver
- Skin abscesses
- Cardiac problems
- Respiratory infections
- Suicidal ideation
- Seizures
- Stroke
Seeking opioid addiction treatment before the permanent or fatal damage is done to the body is, of course, ideal. But remember that it is never too late to start a life of sobriety and achieve wellness.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Once it is recognized that help for opioid addiction is necessary, the road to recovery can begin. Withdrawal from an opioid is serious and is both difficult to manage on your own and potentially dangerous. Symptoms may include:
- Drug cravings
- Extreme agitation
- Body aches
- Belly pain
- Chills/goosebumps
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
People will go to great lengths to avoid these and other withdrawal side-effects. That usually means continuing to abuse the drug that has them in its grip. However, treatment is available to help patients safely and comfortably navigate withdrawal symptoms through medication assisted treatment. MAT helps to replace the severe symptoms of withdrawal with milder effects as the body adjusts to eliminating the drug.
Our Opioid Addiction Treatment Center in Ohio
At BrightView, opioid addiction treatment is easily accessible. We understand that once the signs of addiction are prevalent, immediate care is required to help combat addiction, its long-term effects, and the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. With more than 22 locations throughout Ohio, we provide patients a broad range of substance abuse treatment options, including:
- Outpatient and intensive outpatient programs
- Counseling and therapy
- Individual, family, and group therapy
It’s never too soon to seek help, and it’s never too late to start the journey of life-long recovery and long-term sobriety. Learn more about an opioid addiction treatment center near you to receive the help you or a loved one needs to get started today by calling 888.501.9865 or using our online form. Help is only a phone call away.
