Opioids are often used in prescription pain medication to treat severe pain. And while no one should have to endure intense pain, opioids are intended only for short-term use. For those who are in chronic pain, opioids are a dangerous choice, as they can easily lead to addiction.
Consider the Risks that Opioid Addiction Brings
Opioids create changes in the brain’s function in two specific ways. First, they attach to the opioid receptors in the brain to control and even eliminate the pain signals sent to the brain from various areas of the body. This is why you initially took the medications – to stop pain.
The problem with opioids is that they also target the pleasure centers in the brain, releasing a significant amount of dopamine into the system. That helps you feel good, and it also teaches the brain that the use of this drug will create more feel-good moments. It does not take long for an addiction to develop, and once it does, your body may find it very hard to function normally without the substance.
Over time, your body needs more of the drug to create the good feeling. Increasing your dosage will increase the toxicity in your body. Overdose is a very real risk, even if you are using prescription medications. In 2021, over 70,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses.
Considering this risk, it is critical that you take whatever steps you can to prevent dependency from occurring. The best way to do that is to work very closely with your doctor to minimize the amount of medication and the length of time you use it.
These Are the Signs of Addiction to Opioids
If you are using opioid medications, or if your family member is using them, make sure to pay attention to how they are working and how they are affecting your life. The following are some of the most common signs that opioid addiction has developed and requires treatment.
- You Are Scared to Run Out of Medication
This is a very real concern for someone facing addiction. The fear of the intense pain returning can be one of the most worrisome experiences for anyone. Yet, you also have to consider that it may not be just the pain you are afraid of. The constant pull to use substances is a sign of addiction development. The fear of withdrawal is very intense. - You Tried to Stop But Could Not
Your body’s reaction to not having access to pain medications after a long period of use will be pain. That is, the pain will feel intense, making you want to take the medication again for relief. This is a sign of dependence, and everyone who takes opioids will develop some level of dependence–that is, your body will go through some withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. That’s not necessarily a problem if you work with your doctor and transition to alternative pain relief methods. However, you can tell that the dependence has become an addiction if you also feel a powerful psychological attachment to the drug. Even though you know it’s causing harm, and even though you want to stop, you are unable to do so. Stopping doesn’t just create physical withdrawal–it also creates intense emotions and cravings. - You Are Using Or Need More Than Prescribed
For those using opioids through a prescription, running out of your medication or needing to take another dose before you are supposed to may be an indication of a developing addiction. Over time, your body will become tolerant of the level of opioids present and require more of them for the same level of pain relief. The strong desire to take more of the drug without a doctor’s guidance is a sign of addiction. - You Are Struggling to Find Enough Drugs
Some people who would never think to do so in the past may resort to stealing or borrowing money to get access to more opioids. You may be purchasing or stealing prescriptions or illicit drugs from others because you need more than your doctor will give you. Your prescription runs out too fast. - You Feel Intense Emotions When You Try to Stop
Intense anger, frustration, and anxiety are all likely to occur in a person who is struggling with opioid addiction when they cannot get the substance they want. This is the body’s way of demanding the substance.
What Should You Do If You Have the Signs of Opioid Addiction?
Your first step should be to get into opioid treatment. In many situations, less risky forms of pain management can be helpful, even in chronic or acute conditions.
At Iron Bridge Recovery Center, we bring our extensive experience to the table to help you. When you reach out to us, you get outstanding support as you battle this disease. Call us now to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment center in Chester, VA.
