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Opiate addiction has become a growing problem across the United States. Opiates are used to relieve pain, but they can also be highly addictive. Many opiate addictions start by using prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone or morphine. When used in the short term, these can be effective treatment options but must be closely monitored. Overuse or misuse can quickly lead to addiction. When prescription medications are not available, some people turn to a cheaper alternative – heroin. Heroin is also an opiate and highly addictive requiring our heroin addiction treatment center in Maine. Not only do opiates relieve pain, but they can also produce a feeling of euphoria. Opiate addiction treatment centers focus on each individual, their safety, and their life of recovery.
Opiates block opioid receptors in the brain, which leads to a decreased perception of pain. It can also alter the brain’s reward system. However, they can also have more dangerous effects such as drowsiness, confusion and depressed respiration. An overdose can make breathing and heart rate become dangerously slow and potentially fatal.
If someone you know is showing symptoms of opiate dependence, seek help at Crossroads now to avoid serious consequences.
When you take opiates, the brain releases induced endorphins and dopamine that produce a feeling of elation, fuzziness, and satisfaction. Over time, through repeated intake, opiates stop producing artificial dopamine and endorphin, making a person crave to feel it once again. People who want to escape reality or overcome immense pain take opiates as it satisfies the body’s reward system, which is the reason why opiates are addictive requiring opiate addiction treatment centers.
It can be safe to use opiate medications for a short period of time under the close supervision of a physician. With the increase in opiate addictions, however, many physicians are opting for non-opioid medications and alternative approaches to relieving pain. Once opiate addiction symptoms become prevalent, it can be difficult to overcome without professional treatment. The brain and body keep craving more of the drug and some people may feel as though they cannot function without it.
Recognizing opiate addiction signs can help you to detect potential problems before they become more severe. One of the most common signs is the development of a tolerance to the drug. This requires you to take it more often or in higher doses to feel the same effect. When symptoms become a problem, Crossroads’ opiate addiction rehab center in Maine can help. The following are some other opiate or opioid addiction symptoms and signs:
Another reason why it can be so difficult to overcome opiate addiction is because of the opiate withdrawal symptoms. This can be an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience. Oftentimes people will resort back to taking drugs to stop their withdrawal and to cope with symptoms. During the treatment process, we provide our clients with a comfortable and safe environment to promote recovery and start the healing process by ridding their bodies of any addictive substances through our Maine addiction treatment center. Common symptoms of opiate withdrawal include:
Over the years, opiate and opioid addiction and dependence have continued to grow at alarming rates according to opiate addiction statistics in the United States. According to the American Society of Addictive Medicine, in 2016, 2 million people had a substance use disorder involving prescription pain relievers, and 591,000 people had a substance use disorder involving heroin. In addition, there were 20,101 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers and 12,990 overdose deaths related to heroin in 2015. Studies have also found that women may develop opiate dependence more quickly than men and are often more likely to be prescribed prescription pain medication more often and for longer periods of time than men.
Despite these sobering facts and figures, opiate addiction can be overcome. There is help available for opiate addiction at Crossroads. It may be a national epidemic, but you do not have to suffer any longer. Through a combination of therapy, counseling, holistic care, and support groups, it is possible to overcome opiate addiction and create a healthier lifestyle.
If you recognize opiate dependence symptoms in yourself or a loved one, call Crossroads to learn more about our wide range of gender-responsive services for women and men. The choice to overcome opioid addiction and dependence is in your own hands.
Remember who you wanted to be and take back control of your life. Opiate addiction is treatable and lifelong recovery is possible. Contact Crossroads for recovery at the opiate addiction treatment center in Portland, Maine. Call 877.978.1667 today for a lasting recovery.