What Are Opiates and Why Are They a Problem?

Opiates are highly addictive and dangerous drugs that are a major problem in the United States and in other countries. Most deaths from this drug are caused by taking a large dose that causes respiratory or cardiac arrest. If you have an addiction to an opiate drug, then beginning detoxification immediately is essential. After a few days of detox, you are ready to enter a rehabilitation facility for 30 to 90 days. There are several types of opiates, including:

• Hydrocodone
• Oxycodone
• Codeine
• Heroin
• Morphine

All of these drugs lead to mental and physical dependence that requires professional treatment to overcome.

Danger of Accidental Overdose

Opioid use is increasing rapidly, leading to a huge number of deaths from accidental overdoses. In most cases, an opiate is prescribed by a physician to reduce a patient’s pain after an injury or surgery, but many individuals become addicted to the relaxing side effects of their medication. Instead of using an opiate medication for a few days, they begin to steal the drug or visit multiple physicians to get more of the medication. As an individual takes more of the medication, their body becomes more accustomed to the effects of its euphoria, and giving up the drug is nearly impossible.

What are the Withdrawal Symptoms?

The only way for someone to overcome an addiction to opiates is with treatment from professional counselors at a residential facility. A physician can prescribe mild medications to reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms that include:

• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Perspiring
• Vomiting
• Anxiety

Opiate drugs change the way an addict’s brain works, and it can take longer to undergo the detoxification and rehabilitation process to return the brain to its normal functions. In addition, an addict may have a co-occurring psychiatric condition or have an additional addiction to another drug or alcohol.

Seek Professional Help Today

At one of our top-of-the-line rehabilitation facilities, you are provided with methadone to reduce debilitating withdrawal symptoms. Throughout the day, you are monitored as you attend one-on-one or group counseling sessions to learn how to change your addictive behaviors. Everyone in a rehabilitation facility is required to attend 12-step meetings at least once a day to begin the process of lifelong recovery from an addiction to an opiate.

We can help, call us today.