Compassionate Care for Opioid Addiction

Understanding why opioids are so addictive helps explain why recovering from an addiction to opioids so frequently requires professional assistance. When an opioid stimulates the brain to release an enormous amount of dopamine, the brain recognizes this as extremely rewarding and attempts to replicate it repeatedly. Over time, as repeated exposure occurs, the brain begins to adapt and respond differently.[8] It reduces production of dopamine and decreases responsiveness to the drug, leading to increased dosages required to achieve previous effects, a process known as tolerance.

As prolonged use continues, the brain begins to rely on the opioid simply to feel normal again. Stopping use results in withdrawal symptoms that range from mildly unpleasant to severely debilitating depending on the severity of withdrawal and individual tolerance. The combination of potent rewards, increasing tolerance, and physical dependency explains why opioids have become so habit-forming. 

It is essential to realize that opioid use disorder is a medical condition, and it should not be viewed as a moral failing or lack of willpower. Many people initially develop a dependence on opioids through legitimate prescriptions for chronic pain. Opioid addiction is a serious public health crisis in America today. According to government statistics, opioids (including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and illicit fentanyl) account for the majority of all drug-related overdose deaths in America each year.[9]

Identifying signs of opioid misuse early can aid in helping to intervene and begin a treatment program or move towards long-term recovery. Signs of opioid misuse tend to manifest across several areas of an individual’s life, including their physical self, behaviors, and emotional state.[10]

Typical indicators and symptoms of opioid misuse may include:

• Drowsiness or falling asleep
• Constricted pupils
• Slurred speech and disorientation
• Nausea and constipation
• Taking larger doses than recommended or finishing prescriptions earlier than indicated
• Avoiding social interactions with friends and family members
• Decreased interest in activities previously enjoyed

If you identify similar behaviors in yourself or another individual you care about, contact a professional for guidance as soon as possible.

Different opioids have various potencies, durations, and risks, although each opioid acts similarly to other opioids by activating the body’s opioid receptors to decrease pain and create feelings of relaxation or euphoria. Knowing about commonly abused opioids can help identify the potential dangers involved and why there is an increased necessity for professional treatment.

• Oxycodone: Oxycodone is one of the most commonly prescribed and misused opioid prescription drugs within the United States. Oxycodone is contained in several types of medicines, such as OxyContin and Percocet, and is commonly prescribed for mild to moderate chronic pain. However, because of its ability to produce strong pain relief and euphoric feelings, there is a substantial risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction.
• Hydrocodone: Hydrocodone, a component of many opioid containing products, including Vicodin and Norco, is also a very common opioid. Although hydrocodone is commonly prescribed for the temporary control of post-surgical pain, injuries, or acute illnesses, continued use can cause users to develop tolerance, physical dependence, and eventually opioid use disorders. Historically, hydrocodone was one of the most commonly prescribed opioid prescription medications.
• Morphine: Morphine is generally regarded as one of the first opioid prescriptions and is commonly used in hospitals to provide pain relief. While morphine is very effective at controlling pain, it has a strong effect on the central nervous system that can result in misuse and dependency, especially if the individual does not receive proper medical care.
• Fentanyl: Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is estimated to be roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is sometimes used in medical facilities for extreme cases of pain, while illicitly manufactured fentanyl is responsible for numerous overdose-related deaths due to the fact that even small quantities can be fatal. Due to this factor alone, fentanyl has the highest risk of overdose compared to other opioids.
• Heroin: Heroin is an illicit opioid derivative of morphine. Typically, heroin is either injected into the user’s vein via a syringe or needle, inhaled through smoking, or sniffed using nasal sprays. The euphoric feeling produced by heroin can last from minutes to hours after consumption. Heroin use can quickly lead to physical dependence.
• Methadone and Buprenorphine: Medications methadone and buprenorphine are typically part of a medication-assisted treatment program (MAT). When used appropriately under the guidance of a doctor, methadone and buprenorphine can be highly beneficial to those recovering from addiction to opioids. However, methadone and buprenorphine are both classified as opioids and can potentially be abused. When used properly under medical supervision, they are beneficial components of the recovery process from opioid abuse.

Regardless of what type of opioid is being used, long-term use can disrupt brain chemistry, leading to physical dependence and making withdrawal extremely difficult. There are safe methods available for detoxification and comprehensive treatment options that allow individuals to start their journey towards recovery without fear of relapsing or overdosing.