What is Opioid Addiction?

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In order to clearly understand opioid addiction it is imperative that one know what opioids are. Opioids are any chemicals or drugs that attach

In order to clearly understand opioid addiction it is imperative that one know what opioids are. Opioids are any chemicals or drugs that attach themselves to specific sites in one’s brain called opioid receptors. Naturally, our bodies make their own Opioids which are known as endorphins but the ones that are cause addiction are those manufactured in labs or made from plants. Good examples are codeine and morphine extracted from the seeds of the poppy plant which is then made into heroine. A lot of prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone are all synthesized in a lab. When anyone becomes addicted to any opioid they need help and treatment.

Common Opioid Types;

It is possible for opioids to be prescribed by doctors legally for cough suppression, pain or even opioid dependence. Opioids may also be abused for the purpose of altering moods by giving the user a feeling of euphoria and sedation. There are those who take opioids and do not get addicted however, abuse of opioids is common.

Opioid Addiction Vs Opioid Dependence;

Opioid addiction and opioid dependence mean the exact same thing. Dependence to opioids is a disease that affects one’s brain which makes them need opioids psychologically and physically and requires treatment for opioid addiction. People are said to be addicted or dependent when they use compulsively regardless of the harm it causes them. Addicts are incapable of stopping their opioid use even if they are aware they need to stop. The two main signs of addiction are cravings (overwhelming need to use) and losing control (when one is unable to refuse the drug).

Personalized Programs For Treatment For Opioid Addiction;

Getting Opioid addiction Lexington ky is not easy. All those who have successfully recovered agree that living clean is better than being dependent on opioids. Opioid addiction is hard to recover from because of the way in which opioids attach to the brain which easily causes dependency.

Opiates attach themselves to specific receptors found in the spine, brain and other body parts. They do this by mimicking the body’s normal pain alleviating chemicals. They also give their users a feeling of pleasure. Once you start using these drugs your body eventually tolerates them meaning you will need them more for relieving pain and so you’ll take them as much as you can and thus get addicted.

Over time, one’s brain is unable to make dopamine when one doesn’t use opioids. At the same time, the opioids are ruining the receptors and neurotransmitters that help you feel pleasure. Perhaps it is now clear why people have a hard time stopping their usage once they are hooked.

The mind and body of an addict are constantly demanding for opioids for relieving pain or even just to feel normal and the more opioids taken the more addicted they become. Whenever they don’t take the opioids they get withdrawal symptoms that cause further destruction of their lives.

Why It Is Hard To Treat Opioid Dependency;

Treatment programs for Opioid addiction Lexington ky are not all the same because not all patients are same and not all addictions are the same and thus using one strategy for treatment does not work. Treatment centers that use the strategy for treatment when dealing with all patients have very low success rates.

 

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