RSS Opiate Addiction
What are opiates?
In medical terminology, an opiate is a narcotic opioid alkaloid that is found in the opium poppy and other chemical derivatives (semi-synthetic) of these particular opioids. Opioids attach themselves to the brain’s opioid receptors which can be found in the central or peripheral nervous systems and the gastrointestinal tract. The use of the opium poppy predates recorded history while opiates are considered to be one of the oldest, addictive substances known to man.
Opiates were well known for their painkilling (analgesic) and therapeutic benefits which led to them being popular for recreational rather than medicinal purposes. These beneficial side effects stem from three characteristics of the substance:
- an increased tolerance for pain
- a decreased reaction to pain
- a decreased perception of pain
Additionally, opioids are a key component of anti-tussive (cough suppressant) medications which is why codeine is a very common ingredient in prescription cough syrups. However, opiate addiction is apparent when the individual exhibits the following side effects:
- constipation
- euphoria
- respiratory depression
- sedation
However, an opiate’s euphoric effects are what make them so tempting for being used recreationally. Consequently, opiate addiction develops rapidly. Today, there are numerous addiction treatment and recovery facilities that offer opiate addiction rehab programs. Unfortunately, not all of these can brag about their level of successful recovery because so many of them do not address the personal needs of the individual.
There are numerous drugs that are responsible for the development of an opiate addiction but the most common ones are heroin and morphine or the semi-synthetics OxyContin and Vicodin. The most common symptoms of withdrawal from opiates include:
- anxiety and panic attacks
- chills and sweats
- depression or other mental disorders
- insomnia (sleeplessness) and restlessness
- unexplainable discomfort and pain
There are numerous ways to determine if someone has an opiate addiction and needs professional help but the most common is the obsession of procuring more of the substance and the cravings that occur.
We are here to help you overcome opiate addiction
The Freedom Center offers clients some of the most effective addiction rehab programs in the US, some of which exhibit recovery success rates that exceed 70%. This means that nearly 3 out of every 4 individuals remains substance-free for life once they complete our opiate addiction program and return home to their community. We offer our clients one of the most comforting and relaxing residential environments possible complete with many of the amenities that they are accustomed to at home.
Such an environment offers the individual a more personalized focus on long-lasting recovery. If you would like more information about the Freedom Center and our different rehab programs, please contact us today at the toll-free phone number listed above.
