Painkiller Drug Abuse Therapies And Treatment

Opioid abuse occurs when a patient has an insuppressible desire to use the drug despite the knowledge of the side effects. Opioids are psychoactive medications which are often given by the doctor for controlling pain. With addiction, the patient has become so reliant that he continues to use it despite the absence of the condition it was prescribed for.

Addiction sometimes occur when a person use it for recreational purposes without the intention of being addicted with the drug. After several use, the person develops tolerance and desires to increase the dosage to attain the same euphoric effect. Mental and physical dependence then occur that leads the person to opioid abuse.

Addictive Opioids

Our body has natural opioids which stimulate the brain to release endorphins that gives the happy feeling. This doesn’t cause addiction because it’s controlled by our limbic system. Opioids produced in the laboratory or made by plants are the opioids utilized in the abuse. A few examples are hydrocone, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, heroine and codeine.

Addiction Symptoms

Patients abusing opioids experience symptoms of an addiction to opioids. It is divided into 2 categories- the physical and mental symptoms. Physical symptoms include loss of appetite, weight-loss, red eyes, runny nose, persistent cough, headache, insomnia and rapid speech. Mental symptoms are unmanageable cravings and thoughts for the drug, paranoia, hallucinations, personality changes and mood swings.

Therapy

The first step of treatment for the abuse of opioids is the recognition of the abuser that he has a problem. Seeking medical assistance must be done when the patient has the desire to change. Motivation is the key to a successful treatment. Treatment programs include pharmacotherapy, a brief dynamic therapy, motivational therapy, behavioral therapy, and counseling.

Pharmacotherapy

Pharmacotherapy is the use of medicine to manage the withdrawal symptoms caused by the sudden discontinuation of opioids. Medicines often used are buprenorphine and methadone. Synthetic opioids are given to minimize the pain of withdrawal. They mimic the effects of opioids without being addicted.

Drug counseling

Counseling helps the patient on how to live a drug-free life outside the treatment center. They are given the information on how to deal with the temptation of using the medication again as well as dealing with relapse when they occur. When they go out from the treatment facility, they are prepared to function normally in the society.

Opioid abuse is an illness that must be treated. Don’t let it ruin your life.