Opioid addiction is an epidemic in this country. Thousands of people abuse opioids and thousands of people overdose and die because of opioid use each year. Opioids affect the nervous system by attaching themselves to opioid receptors and reduce the perception of pain. They come from the opium poppy with morphine being the active substance. Long -term use of opioids can make the body dependant on them and withdrawal symptoms can occur if they stop taking them. They can come in capsules, tablets, or liquid and tolerance occurs quickly. Many abusers will break up the tablets and snort the drug which leads to a higher chance of overdose. Opioids slow down breathing and it is common for users to stop breathing all together especially when they mix the opioids with other drugs such as benzodiazepines or alcohol. Opioids include Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet, Roxicodone, Percodan, Roxicet), Oxymorphone (Opana), Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab, Zohydro), Morphine (Kadian, Avinza, Duramorph), Codeine (Fiorinal with Codeine, Empirin with Codeine, Acetaminophen with Codeine), Meperidine (Demerol), Tramadol (Ultram, ConZip, Ryzolt), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Fentanyl (Actiq, Sublimaze, Duragesic, Fentora, Subsys,Abstral, Lazanda), Methadone, Suboxone, and Heroin. Opioids can be bought illegally but abuse usually starts with a prescription. Since these can be prescribed sometimes it is difficult to realize if you or a loved one is addicted. When all you can think about is how you are going to get more and stopping use causes you withdrawal symptoms, you should reach out for help getting clean. If you have started stealing medications, buying the medication from someone else or off the street, or “doctor shopping,” visiting multiple doctors complaining about pain so you get multiple prescriptions, then you may need addiction treatment. Opioids are derived from the same plant as heroin and can be just as addictive. In fact, some heroin users started out addicted to opioid painkillers but then moved onto heroin for a cheaper, faster, more intense high. They are highly addictive and any signs of abuse should not be overlooked.
Recovering from Opiod Addiction
Opioids are one of the hardest addictions to recover from but it can be done through counseling and sometimes medication. Vivitrol is a medication used to help treat opioid addiction. Vivitrol is the brand name of Naltrexone. Naltrexone is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication used to treat opioid use disorders. Vivitrol is prescribed injectable extended-release form of the drug given once a month. Rather than activating opioid receptors, like methadone, to suppress urges, Vivitrol binds and blocks the receptors to reduce cravings. If someone relapses and uses opioids they will not be able to feel the high. Vivitrol is supposed to be used with counseling and when done so has been proven to help prevent relapse after detox. During a six month study, people using Vivitrol and counseling had less cravings, more weeks without opioid use, were less likely to relapse, and more likely to stay in treatment than those who were on the placebo and in counseling. Those who want to start Vivitrol must be opioid free for seven to fourteen days before starting. Those who use Vivitrol may have a decreased tolerance for opioids and may not be able to take the same or a lesser dose of opioids without overdosing.
Programs and Life Changes
Opioid addicts need to make major life changes to accomplish treatment and maintain a life of sobriety. Alumni programs help patients with their future care and way of life. Workshops and seminars with relapse prevention techniques and Narcotics Anonymous meetings can help but there are also important changes that should be made and maintained. Make sober friends and find sober hobbies. Boredom is one of the most common complaints from recovering opioid addicts readjusting to life without the drug. The best way to combat this boredom is to find friends to join in productive activities. Medications are important. People who are prescribed medications like Vivitrol should continue taking the drugs until a doctor advises it’s safe to stop. Continuing counseling and meetings helps alleviate temptations. Opioids have lasting effects on the brain reward system long after the drug is out of the body. One day of stress can tempt people to use, but support from a therapist or a 12-step meeting can drastically help. Be careful with new prescriptions. Some people relapse because they get prescribed opiate-based pain relievers like hydrocodone. Recovering opioid addicts that have surgery or break a bone should be upfront with their physician about their addiction. There are non-narcotic pain relievers available and physicians can treat pain while minimizing the potential for relapse. Vivitrol can help recovery opioid addicts feel less cravings and continue treatment. Vivitrol can help make opioid recovery easier for many people.
