Opiate Addiction in Longview, TX
An opiate addiction is a condition in which a person is psychologically and physically dependent on opiates, which are drugs derived from the opium plant (e.g., morphine). Because the term "opioid" now more broadly refers to opiates as well as semi-synthetic or synthetic versions of opiates, it technically is correct to say that someone with an opiate addiction has an opioid addiction. Additionally, because all opioids act similarly on the brain, and because individuals often trade opiates for semi-synthetic or synthetic versions and vice versa, opiate (natural) and opioid (semi-synthetic, synthetic) addiction are closely linked. Individuals who suffer from opiate addiction in Longview, TX often need to enlist professional help at a drug rehab facility, but it is possible to recover and live a fulfilling life.
People often picture people with opiate or opioid addiction as lazy, jobless street criminals, often associating this with minorities. This stereotype is wildly inaccurate for many people with opiate addiction in Longview. A typical American heroin addict, for example, is a white, middle class man or woman, usually in their late 20s, living outside urban areas. Experts now recognize that prescription medications have contributed to this portrait. Mismanagement and over-prescription of opioids made them easy to get. When the prescription opioids became more expensive than heroin, individuals who had become addicted to the opioids started buying heroin.
Someone who has an opioid or opiate addiction in Longview can opt either for inpatient or outpatient treatment. In either case, they must go through an initial detox period, during which they stop using the drug and allow it to clear from their body. Professionals who offer opiate addiction rehab often provide medications during detox to make the individual more comfortable and reduce withdrawal symptoms. After drug detox in Longview, the individual moves on to therapies such as talk or group therapy. These therapies help the addict understand why they use and form healthier habits and coping strategies. Programs usually last several months.
Opiate Effects: Why Are Opiates So Addictive?
When a person uses an opiate or opioid, the amount of dopamine in the brain's limbic reward system dramatically increases. Dopamine is a chemical people naturally produce that helps them feel happy. Because the individual wants to feel that pleasure again, they use the opiate again. Over time, however, the brain becomes dependent on the opiate to make dopamine. Subsequently, the individual has a hard time feeling good at all unless they use.
Understanding the mechanism behind opiate and opioid addiction, it is important to remember that addicts are not in control--the drug is. Their perceptions and ability to make good decisions is legitimately impaired. This is why professionals who provide treatment programs in Longview for opioid or opiate addiction in Longview consider the addiction to be a disease, and why they stress that recovery is not simply a matter of willpower. It is also why professional care is so essential to the recovery process. Without the medical, psychological and social support drug rehab programs provide, addicts have much higher complication risks and lower odds of staying clean for the long haul.
How Are Opiates Used?
Opiates and opioids can be used in different ways, including smoking, snorting, and injecting and by mouth. Preference often depends on the drug. People typically inject heroin, for example, whereas with morphine, they crush the tablets and then snort or smoke. Less commonly, people use the drugs rectally. In many instances, people mix the drugs with other substances, such as cold medication. The way the person takes the drug has an effect on how dramatic the rush or high is, as well as on the speed with which it occurs.
Opiate Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Many opiate and opioid users are "functional" addicts, meaning that they are good at hiding their drug use and remain able to function at a high level. They often continue to hold down jobs, for example. Nevertheless, there are behavioral and physical signals to watch for that indicate a problem. These can include
- Increased use of the opiate/opioid over time (indicates increasing tolerance)
- Using more than desired or prescribed
- Experiencing negative consequences as a result of use
- Difficulty completing tasks because of the drug
- Constantly thinking about getting or using the opiate/opioid
- Trying unsuccessfully to cut back or stop using
- Experience withdrawal symptoms with decreased or stopped use
- Anxiety or anxiety attacks
- Irritability
- Psychosis
- Improved self-esteem
- Depression
- Poor motivation
- High alertness and sensitivity to sensory stimuli
- Constricted blood vessels
- High blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate
- Poor appetite
- Improved libido
- Sleep trouble
- Physical agitation
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Cravings
- Physical dependence
- Psychological dependence
Although it can be difficult to accept these symptoms and admit that opiate addiction is present, the sooner the addict gets into opiate addiction rehab, the better their recovery odds are. Call now for help (877) 804-1531.