But with the right support and medical supervision, it’s entirely possible to overcome addiction and pave your way toward a more fulfilling and healthier life.
At United Recovery Project, our trusted and expert team is here to help. If you or a loved one are struggling with opiate abuse, our comprehensive and evidence-based treatment approach can lay the foundations for lasting recovery. You don’t have to do this alone. Call us at 888-960-5121 to begin your journey today. For more information about opiate addiction and treatment, read below.
What is Opiate Addiction and Abuse?
Traditional opiates are created straight from the poppy plant. This includes medications such as codeine and morphine. In contrast, synthetic opioids, like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, are manufactured in a lab. But they both work in similar ways. When prescribed by healthcare providers, these medications can help manage severe pain from surgery, injuries, or chronic conditions.
However, misuse of these medications can lead down a slippery slope. Opiates bind to specific receptors in the brain, triggering the release of dopamine and creating intense feelings of pleasure. As time goes on, the brain adapts to these opiates by reducing its natural production of feel-good chemicals. This can make it increasingly difficult to experience pleasure or manage pain without the drugs. This also leads to the need for more of the drug to achieve similar effects. And this continues to drive the vicious cycle of addiction.
Signs and symptoms of an opiate addiction can include various behavioral, emotional, and physical indicators, such as:
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping use (often flu-like symptoms)
- Cravings
- Drowsiness
- Changes in sleep habits (insomnia)
- Weight loss
- Lack of hygiene
- Social isolation
- Increasing and new financial difficulties
- Decreased libido
- Mood swings/irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Neglect of family, career, or other responsibilities
If you or someone you know is struggling with an opiate addiction, know help is available and recovery is possible. Get started today by having the United Recovery Project’s team verify your insurance. Our team is here to guide you through every step in your recovery.