All That You Wanted to Know About Opioid Addiction
Opioid is a medicine which is often prescribed by Doctors to provide relief from pain. They change the conditions of certain nerves in our brain that we will not have much sensation about pain.
In case you are having following kinds of pain the doctors will prescribe opioid.
- Chronic conditions e.g. cancer
- Pain during dental procedures
- Pain due to injuries
- Pain during surgeries
- Toothaches
Even some of the cough medicine also contains some amount of opioid. If you use this drug in a safe manner by exactly following the instructions of the doctor then it proves to be an effective medicine.
However, misusing the drug may end up in addiction.
What is the symptom of addiction of opioid?
Before you decide to get treatment from the opioid addiction it is important thing to understand about the opioid addiction signs which can be behavioral, physical as well as psychological too.
One of the clear signs of opioid addiction is that the affected person cannot stop using opioid. Few other symptoms of abusing opioid are as follows:
- Anxiety attacks
- Abandoning responsibilities
- Constipation
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Euphoria (feeling high)
- Irritability
- Low motivation
- Mood swings
- Nausea,
- Physical agitation
- Poor coordination
- Poor decision making
- Shallow/slow breathing rate
- Sleeping problem
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
What are the symptoms of overdose?
In case, anyone is suspected to have taken overdose of opioid then he should be immediately taken to doctor for emergency treatment. Following are the symptoms of opioid overdose:
- Constricted (small) pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Slow, erratic breathing, or sometimes no breathing
- Slow, erratic pulse
- Unresponsive while sleeping
- Vomiting
What can cause opioid addiction?
Your brain may get altered with opioid drugs due to artificial endorphins. In addition to blocking your pain, these endorphins will make you feel better. By consuming too much opioid may cause brain to rely more on such artificial endorphins.
As the brain does this, the natural production of endorphins may stop. The more you use opioids, likelihood of this will also be more. You will start taking more opioids due to drug tolerance.
What are the signs of Drug dependence?
At the same time, your body will start getting accustomed to consumption of drugs everyday, which will soon lead to complete dependence on drugs. Such changes will lead to withdrawal symptoms as you stop taking the drug. These withdrawal symptoms can either be very mild or too severe, and can include:
- Chill
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain
- shaking
- Sweating
In case you have been using prescription opioid for a long time, then discuss with your doctor. He can help you to avoid withdrawal symptoms and gradually lower your dose till you no longer will need the medicine.
How shall I know that I am addicted?
In case you crave for the drug or you feel that you cannot control your urge for taking the drug then probably you are addicted. Also, if you keep on using this drug without taking your doctor’s consent, though it is causing trouble then too you may be addicted.
The trouble will be with your money, health, work or school and law. Your relationship with friends or family may also get disturbed and they will know about your addiction before you.
