Opiate Addiction
For centuries, individuals all over the world have struggled with opiate addiction. Before the advent of medical and psychological treatment for these addictions, many thousands died as a result of their dependence on morphine, and later, heroin. Even today, with some of the finest drug rehab facilities in the world at the individual's disposal, conquering addiction to opiates remains a challenge.
What are opiates?
The opiate drug group is a series of highly addictive substances that can cause the individual to develop dependence very quickly.
In today's society, the major opiate-based drugs are: heroin, morphine, Vicodin and OxyContin. These drugs can be ingested in a variety of forms, but are most commonly taken by snorting, injecting or smoking them.
What is opiate addiction?
Opiate addiction occurs when the body develops a dependence on the drug. There are two hallmark symptoms of opiate addiction. First is dependence, in which the individual craves the drug in order to avoid the bad feeling (or withdrawal symptoms), associated with its absence. Second, there is tolerance. Building a tolerance to opiates occurs over time and requires the individual to take more and more of the drug in order to obtain its euphoric effects.
What are the signs and symptoms of an opiate addiction?
There are several tell-tale warning signs associated with opiate addiction that everyone should be familiar with in the event that a loved one or friend begins using heroin, Vicodin or other drugs from the group.
Sign and symptoms of opiate addiction
- A singular focus by the individual on obtaining their next "fix" of the drug
- Withdrawal from social situations and peer groups
- Replacing old peer groups with new "drug friends"
- Brushes with the law as a result of possession of the drug, or stealing money or property to pay for the drug.
- A diminished physical appearance which may include rapid weight loss
- Tremendous anxiety in work and social settings
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
How does an individual get treatment for an opiate addiction?
Families and friends who observe the behaviors associated with addiction are the individual's best chance at getting treatment for the opiate abuse. That's because those addicted to drugs, especially powerfully addictive drugs like opiates, are unable or unwilling to admit they have a problem.
Those close to the individual need to do their homework and investigate not only ways to hold an intervention, but suitable drug treatment facilities as well. Once the intervention takes place, there will be no time to spare. If the individual admits to drug addiction and commits to getting help, it is imperative that they enter treatment immediately.
Opiate addiction is one of the most challenging forms of drug addiction to conquer. Drugs such as Heroin or Vicodin maintain a tremendous hold on the individual, and even when detox and rehab counseling are complete, there is still a chance that the individual will feel the desire to relapse.
That's why residential treatment facilities such as Michael's House in Palm Springs, California are so important. Michael's House treats the physical nature of the opiate addiction, but also places great emphasis on the behavioral aspect as well, teaching the individual how to make better decision, and stay away from the situations that could lead to a return to drug abuse.
