Are You
Dependent?
Opiate Addiction
Drug Addiction is a disease. People who are addicted to opiates have become physically dependent on a drug and need that drug in order to function normally.
Opiate dependence frequently starts with a person simply following a doctor's orders. But for some people, drug use turns to drug abuse without them being aware of it. Addiction to opiates can occur in a matter of days and it can happen to anyone.
Addiction to opiates can come from the use of a wide variety of prescription medications, including:
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What Are Opiates?
Opiates are powerful narcotic pain medications, derived from opium which is extracted from poppy flowers. Opium is the base of potent drugs such as heroin and many prescription pain medications.
Opiates are especially addictive because of their unique composition. They affect the brain by activating "pleasure" centers that create euphoria while also activating "pain" receptors in the brain.
Over time, the brain's chemistry changes with the continuous activation of opiate receptors. This requires an ever increasing amount of the drug to feel normal. At the same time, a reduction of opiates in the body will trigger intense discomfort in the form of opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Many people go to great lengths trying to avoid the painful withdrawal process. It may at times seem like the simplest way to avoid withdrawal is to keep taking the medication. But as the body continues to adapt, the amount of medication required to feel comfortable must be continually increased-and the physiologic dependence continues.
Why Does Dependence Happen?
What may have started as a medical necessity to treat routine pain, has now grown into a serious physical problem. Most people are not sure what to do or how to treat this medical complication.
Taking opiates for pain management may lead to physical, chemical and neurological changes that cause your body and brain to become "dependent" on these drugs. Now, you will require the drugs everyday, even if you don't medically require them. With our At Home Drug Rehab Program, help is only a phone call away.
Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Dependence
Many people do not realize they are "dependent" on prescription pain medications. Also, because opiate dependence is easy to conceal, it may be difficult to assess whether a loved one or family member is struggling with a pain medication dependency.
