Opiate Addiction
Opiate addiction is a disorder, where the central nervous system (CNS) becomes dependent from extended use of drugs such as: Oxycontin, Morphine, Oxycodone and Morphine. Opiate addiction is a potentially lethal condition and it needs to be treated by medical professionals. Many people become addicted to an opiate even after their first or second use of the a drug but then there are others who can use it for a prolong period without becoming addicted.
What is Opiate Addiction?
If a person takes an opiate drug for a long time then the nerves in the brain can no longer produce natural painkillers or endorphins. Since users do not have enough natural endorphins they become dependent on opiates in order to help them to manage their pain and withdrawal symptoms. This can then lead to a person becoming dependent on an opiate long term.
Opiate Dependence and Addiction: What causes it?
Opiates become addictive because they interfere with the natural functioning of the brain and change the way that it works. If people take an opiate such as heroin or morphine over a prolonged or even a short period, the brain naturally starts adapting to the level of opiates and it often becomes dependent. This then means that a person have developed a dependence on opiates; this is a very dangerous condition and can lead to moderate to severe symptoms.
Opiate Withdrawal
It is not easy to overcome an opiate addiction because of the often severe withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms mean that when a person stops using the opiate that they are physically ill and they cannot cope without the drug. The symptoms are so severe that those undergoing withdrawal symptoms need to have medical attention. The opiate withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and some are less effected by the symptoms than others, but the majority of people experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
In some cases, the opiate withdrawal symptoms associated with opiate detox becomes apparent after a few days. These symptoms are usually so severe that they often force a patient to continue the use of the opiate and then remain addicted.
Since opiates are commonly used in medicine for pain relief. Opiate based drugs are great pain relievers but it is easy to build up a tolerance to them and this can make it difficult to quit. When an addict does stop taking an opiate they can experience a wide ranges of painful withdrawal symptoms.
Opiate Addiction: How to Recover?
Many people find it very difficult to overcome their dependency on drugs but they should not despair as there is help available. There are many rehab centers that can help an addict to quit and live a normal life. A person may receive treatment in an outpatient clinic or may select a long term detox program that are widely available in rehab centers. The greatest advantage of the detox method in these settings are that there are physicians who can prescribe medication to assist in the detox process. Suboxone or Methadone can help limit withdrawal symptoms. These facilities help a person to overcome their addiction and minimize the withdrawal symptoms and can lead to long term sobriety.
Suboxone is widely regarded as the best medication to assist in the recovery from addictions to opiates such as heroin.
