Opioid use disorder is a life-threatening substance use disorder (SUD) that can lead to numerous health complications and addictive behaviors. Many people use opioids for pain relief, following a prescription from their doctor. Many don’t know that these substances can create addiction. Here’s what you need to know.
How do you know if you have an opioid use disorder? If you’re not sure or you’re worried that your loved one is facing these symptoms, we encourage you to contact us for immediate help. Iron Bridge Recovery Center provides comprehensive opioid use disorder treatment in a safe, respectful environment.
Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder
Identification of opioid use disorder (OUD) requires an understanding of what is occurring, why it is happening, and what you may be using. Let’s break down some of the most common symptoms that a person is overusing or misusing this substance.
- Using more than prescribed. Running out of a prescription too soon, before it’s possible to renew it.
- Spending excessive amounts of time thinking about, using, or obtaining opioids. It becomes part of daily life.
- Craving opioids or your next dose.
- Thinking about and having a desire to use the substance even when you may not have pain or discomfort.
- Attempting to reduce, control, or stop using opioids only to find it impossible to do so.
- Understanding that continued use will cause problems at home, in relationships, at work, or otherwise, and still continuing to use it.
- Withdrawing from activities, friends, family, or other interests.
- Engaging in increasingly reckless or hazardous behaviors, often in relation to using the substance.
- Suffering financial losses and difficulties from having to pay for opioids.
- Using someone else’s prescription, including stealing another person’s subscription.
- Using illegal substances, including heroin.
- Increasingly needing to use larger amounts or more frequent doses of the drug to get the same relief or benefits.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to seek opioid use disorder treatment.
Are You Experiencing Withdrawal From Opioids?
Continued use of opioids creates dependency. When you stop using the substance, your body reacts, leading to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be so serious and significant that you feel unable to control yourself, and you end up using the substance again. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms related to OUD include these early symptoms, when you first stop using the substance, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Agitation
- Muscle aches and pains
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Increased tearing
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
Over time, usually within a few days, you may face additional withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Goosebumps
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting
- Nausea
These symptoms will start to fade within a few days to a week. Some people may have severe reactions, including significant pain onset and distress. You may find it impossible to manage day-to-day responsibilities while you’re feeling like this. This is an indication that professional detox treatment is beneficial.
What to Do If You Have an Opioid Use Disorder
If, after looking over this opioid use disorder symptom checklist, you think you may be experiencing the disorder, it’s possible to seek treatment and find relief. A wide range of treatment options exists, but the most common care process may include the following:
- Detox treatment: Those with dependency and experiencing significant symptoms of withdrawal benefit from a medically monitored detox process. This process lasts under a week and allows the body to naturally remove the substances. Medications may be available to help reduce these symptoms.
- Residential treatment: You may benefit from residential drug treatment in which you remain in a treatment center for 30 days or up to 90 days, receiving one-on-one care, engaging in group therapy, and exploring a variety of holistic and experiential therapies. Those who have long-term use of opioids or those who are unable to navigate recovery on their own benefit from this type of care.
- Outpatient treatment programs: You may also benefit from outpatient care, especially as a step-down to inpatient treatment. Outpatient programs give you skills to manage stress and resources to talk through difficult situations. You’ll learn skills for managing your addiction.
By taking the time to get into treatment now, you reduce the risk of the many complications that can come from opioid use over the long term. That includes physical and mental health challenges that many people experience with continued use.
Let Iron Bridge Be There to Help You
If you are facing addiction to opioids or believe you may be, we can offer guidance and support. Our opioid use disorder treatment center in Richmond, VA, provides effective strategies for breaking the hold that this substance has on you. Contact us now to learn how we can help you recover from OUD and reclaim your future.
