Some opioid use disorder experts now recommend that healthcare professionals interview family members as part of routine follow-up care for a person taking opioids. A person addicted to opioids — or any substance — is much more likely to recover if the family doesn’t ignore the issue. If you think your loved one may be addicted to opioids, talk with their healthcare professional right away. It’s common not to talk about your concerns because you fear that your relationship or family will fall apart.
How to recognize the symptoms of opioid use disorder
Withdrawal symptoms from longer-acting opioids, such as methadone, can begin after several days. The false endorphins can even produce a high or feelings of euphoria. Opioid use can cause your brain to depend on these endorphins, or even to stop producing its own endorphins.
Changes in the brain
They include strong prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and tramadol. Some opioids are made from the opium plant, and others are synthetic (man-made). Whether used as prescribed or for nonmedical purposes, cutting back or stopping these drugs after prolonged use can cause withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, anxiety, and sleep problems. Withdrawal symptoms from opioids can be very uncomfortable but are rarely life-threatening. However, opioid drugs have a high risk for addiction, especially when used for a long time.
- To prevent problems with prescription opioids, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking them.
- People can also become addicted if they misuse the medicine (opioid use disorder) or use the drug illegally.
- The withdrawal symptoms and sometimes uncontrolled pain that can occur with rapid discontinuation of opioids can cause some to seek illicit opioids or other substances to ease their discomfort.
- Opioids are also used recreationally—such as with heroin or the misuse of pain medication.
- Along with the aforementioned opioids, the drug class includes several additional substances such as fentanyl and heroin.
- They may be used as maintenance treatments and, in some cases, to taper off opioid use.
Steps to prevent opioid use disorder
According to a study from the British Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, the quality of life for former opiate addicts improved with buprenorphine and naloxone treatment. Where previously individuals were living in terrible, unkempt and unhealthy conditions, treatment was able to help improve these conditions. Opioid use disorder and overdoses are serious public health problems in the United States. As more people misuse opioids, more women are misusing opioids during pregnancy. NAS is a group of withdrawal symptoms that a baby signs of opioid addiction has after being exposed to drugs during pregnancy.
A patient’s system must be completely free of all opioids before beginning to take naltrexone. Training in administration of naloxone for a loved one with substance use disorder is offered in most communities. What should you do if your doctor prescribes an opioid drug for you? To lessen the chance of developing a substance use disorder, follow your doctor’s orders carefully, making sure to only take the medication as prescribed.
