Opiates Addiction
Opiate addiction has become an epidemic in the US over the past few years. Opiates are prescribed by doctors as painkillers and they also induce a feeling of euphoria which makes it a drug of choice for abuse.
When taken in doses more than the one prescribed, Opiates have dire effects on one’s body. There are three types of opiates:
- Natural – Morphine and Codeine
- Semi-synthetic (Opioids) – Heroin, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphine, Oxycodone etc.
- Synthetic – Fentanyl, Methadone, Propoxyphene and Pentazocine
Symptoms of Opiates Intoxication
Opiates when used for a long duration, may easily lead to addiction even if it is used as prescribed. Individuals who have been using opiates for a long time develop tolerance, meaning the same amount of drug will not have the same effect as it did in the beginning. This triggers the cycle of addiction and people start looking for ways to get the drug in larger quantities than prescribed to satisfy their need.
Some of the symptoms manifested during opiate addiction are as follows:
Physical Symptoms:
- Noticeable elation/euphoria
- Marked sedation/drowsiness
- Confusion
- Drastic mood changes
- Constricted pupils
- Slowed breathing
- Intermittent nodding off, or loss of consciousness
- Constipation
Other Symptoms:
- Doctor shopping (getting multiple prescriptions from different doctors)
- Shifting or dramatically changing moods
- Extra pill bottles turning up in the trash
- Social withdrawal
- Isolation
- Sudden financial problems
Treatment for Opiates Addiction, how we can help
AKUA Mind & Body Treatment Program
AKUA Mind and Body is a full-service treatment program that offers a wide range of “east meets west” treatment modalities for many different populations struggling with opiates addiction and substance use and mental health disorders. We offer both intensive inpatient programs as well as outpatient treatment. AKUA Mind & Body works diligently with each client and their family to ensure that their depressive disorder treatment plan is specifically tailored to their needs, and not just their disorder.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Opiates
When one goes through opiate withdrawal, the symptoms may be similar to a flu. The withdrawal symptoms also include several psychological effects along with physical ones. Opiate withdrawal is one of the most painful ones out of any type of drug withdrawal.
Since opiates act as high power painkillers, once the usage is stopped, the pain returns creating severe pain.
Some of the primary symptoms of Opiate withdrawal are:
- Major depressive disorder (clinical depression)
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Psychotic depression
- Postpartum depression
- Seasonal affective disorder
