Seeking Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Opioid use is a huge issue in the United States, to the point where it has been termed an epidemic. Opioid use can lead to both physical and mental health issues and is extremely dangerous because of opioids’ addictive nature. All it takes is one use to start a long period of addiction. 

However, recovery from opioid addiction is possible, and treatment is available to help individuals enjoy a life free of opioid addiction.

Opioid Addiction

Opioids are a group of pain-relieving medications that work with receptors in the brain cells to reduce the pain that you feel. They are made from the poppy plant, and there are both prescription and illicit opioids out there. Prescription opioids are those made available from a doctor and are intended to be used in a carefully controlled way for pain relief. Illicit opioids are those that are illegally produced and distributed.

There is no discrimination when it comes to the addictiveness of opioids. Both prescription and illicit varieties can become addictive. However, prescription opioids are given under the oversight of a medical professional with dosages and other factors involved in the administration of these pain relievers.

Some of the more common prescription opioids are morphine and oxycodone, whereas the more recognized illegal opioids are heroin and fentanyl.

What makes opioids, whether prescription or illicit, so addictive is the powerful effect that they have on one’s brain, with the reward system being triggered so thoroughly that one’s brain craves the drug.

Symptoms and Impacts of Opioid Addiction

There are multiple symptoms and impacts of opioid addiction. It’s important that if you or someone you know is struggling the opioid addiction that you make an effort to get help as soon as possible, before symptoms or impacts escalate any further.

Symptoms

There is a range of symptoms of opioid addiction, with both psychological and physical symptoms to look out for.

Psychological symptoms 

Opioid addiction can lead to multiple psychological symptoms. These include: 

• Anxiety
• Cognitive issues such as forgetting things
• Cravings
• Depression
• Emotional numbness
• Inability to control one’s temper
• Panic attacks
• Social withdrawal

Physical symptoms 

There are also physical symptoms to look out for, such as itchy skin, a symptom that can become so severe that individuals make themselves bleed trying to get the itch to stop. Other symptoms to look out for include weight loss, constipation, and slurred speech.

Physical symptoms include:

• Constricted pupils
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Itchy skin
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Withdrawal symptoms 

If someone suddenly reduces opioid intake or quickly stops taking opioids, withdrawal symptoms may result, including:

• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Vomiting

Impacts

You should also be aware of the impacts that opioid addiction can have on individuals. Violent mood swings and the fixation on opioid access can have negative impacts on the addicted individuals and on their family members, friends, and coworkers. Relationship strain may result with mistrust and emotional concerns. Neglect may also result as an addicted individual’s focus on the substance overrides responsibilities to family members and commitments to friends and/or employers.

On top of these potential impacts, opioid addiction can lead to financial difficulty. Those addicted may sell their own items, steal, or lie in order to access opioids. Decreased income due to missed work may also impact the finances of an individual addicted to opioids. Financial and other consequences — such as incarceration and criminal records — may also result due to legal problems associated with addictive behaviors.

Opioid Addiction Treatment

Even with the struggles that accompany opioid addiction, treatment is available, and recovery from opioid addiction is possible. At Jackson House Recovery Centers, we are dedicated to helping those who are suffering with opioid addiction recover and move forward. Our voluntary residential treatment involves evidence-based approaches and customized care to help individuals overcome physical and mental challenges brought on by opioid addiction.

After an individual is connected with our center, a caring assessment is carried out to help determine the individual’s circumstances and the appropriate level of care. If we can provide appropriate services for the individual’s level of need and treatment is agreed upon, a date is set for the residential care to begin.

Our opioid addiction treatment is focused on helping individuals overcome their addictions, with professional help guiding and supporting personalized care.

We are dedicated to health and wellness, with a strong emphasis on community, customization, and nutrition. Each treatment plan is tailored to the specific needs of our clients, as we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

Why Seek Professional Opioid Addiction Treatment?

A healthcare facility such as Jackson House Recovery Centers aligns you with the advantages of having professional medical personnel helping direct your treatment process. 

We offer 24/7 resources, with professional oversight to help ensure that your treatment is safe and effective. Our staff is connected to your recovery and can provide support to keep you motivated when you struggle. The range of ways to support recovery includes medication management as needed, individual and group therapies, as well as attention to mindfulness practices such as meditation.

Reach Out for Support

Perhaps you have seen the impact of opioid addiction on yourself and others around you and have decided that enough is enough. There are many reasons for seeking treatment. Whatever your experiences, professional support is available. 

If you or someone you know could benefit from opioid addiction treatment, please reach out to our team at Jackson House Recovery Centers. Get in touch with the center to receive more information on our treatment approach or schedule a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team.