What Is Opioid Addiction?

An opioid addiction is a powerful urge to use certain medicines called opioids.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are medicines that are often prescribed by a doctor to help relieve pain. An addiction is a strong craving to do something. In this case, it’s a strong craving to use opioids. Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behavior. At first, you have control over your choice to use opioids. But if you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions for the medicine, its effect eventually makes you want to keep using it. Over time, your brain actually changes so that you develop a powerful urge to take the opioids.

 

Opioid Drugs

  • Act on opioid receptor in the brain.
  • Can be derived from opium poppy or man-made

  • Block pain and create feelings of Euphoria.

Opioids work by lowering the number of pain signals your body sends to your brain. They also change how your brain responds to pain. When used correctly, opioids are safe. But when people misuse the medicine (opioid use disorder), they can become addicted. People can also become addicted to opioids by using the drug illegally.

Some opioid drugs include:

  • Opium
  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl
  • Heroin
  • Hydrocodone
  • Oxycodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Methadone
  • Morphine
  • Tramadol

Opioid Statistics

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Over 2 million Americans live with opioid addiction but only 10% receive treatment.

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A staggering 68% of all fatal overdoses in the U.S. involve a prescription or illicit opioid.

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Among new heroin users, 75% report misusing prescription opioids before trying heroin.

What is addiction?

Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and your behavior. At first, you have control over your choice to start using drugs. If you misuse a drug, its pleasurable effect eventually makes you want to keep using it. Over time, your brain actually changes in certain ways so that you develop a powerful urge to use the drug.

 

Symptoms of opioid addiction

The first step toward recovery is recognizing that you have a problem with opioids. The signs and symptoms of substance abuse can be physical, behavioral, and psychological. One clear sign of addiction is not being able to stop using the substance. It is also not being able to stop yourself from using more than the recommended amount.

Treatment for Opioid Addiction.

At Zion Healing Center, we understand the devastating effects that opioid addiction can have on individuals and their loved ones. That’s why we offer specialized programs designed to help those struggling with opioid addiction regain control of their lives. Our comprehensive approach to treating opioid addiction includes a combination of medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and therapy.

Our team works closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals. Our goal is to help patients overcome their addiction and develop the skills and tools they need to maintain long-term recovery. We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help patients achieve lasting wellness and freedom from addiction.