To first understand opioid addiction, you must first know very well what opioids are. The term opioid refers to any drug or chemical that attaches (like a key fits into a lock) to sites within the brain called opioid receptors. The body makes its opioids (called endorphins) however the opioids we are worried about when we talk about opioid addiction are those which are manufactured in a laboratory or produced by plants. For instance, morphine and codeine are located within the extract (the opium) of seeds from the poppy plant, and this opium is processed into heroin. Most prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone are synthesized in the laboratory. When a person becomes based mostly on these drugs, they require opioid addiction treatment.

What exactly are Common Kinds of Opioids?

Opioids might be prescribed legally by doctors (for pain, cough suppression or opioid dependence) or they might be taken illegally for his or her mood-altering effects–euphoria, sedation, “to feel better”, or some, opioids are taken “just to feel normal”. Not everyone who takes an opioid is at risk for dependence requiring opioid addiction treatment, however these medicine is commonly abused.

Types of prescribed medications that sometimes result in opioid addiction, but that can also help patients battle other types of substance abuse include:

* Codeine–the opioid in Tylenol #3, Fiorinal or Fiorecet #3, and in some cough syrups.
* Hydrocodone–the opioid in Vicodin, Lortab, and Lorcet.
* Oxycodone–the opioid in Percodan, Percocet and OxyContin.
* Hydromorphone–the opioid in Dilaudid.
* Oxymorphone–the opioid in Opana.
* Meperidine–the opioid in Demerol.
* Morphine–the opioid in MS Contin, Kadian and MSIR.
* Fentanyl–the opioid in Duragesic.
* Tramadol–the opioid in Ultram.
* Methadone–the opioid in Dolophine.
* Buprenorphine–the opioid in Suboxone.

While not entirely accurate, the terms opiate and narcotic are usually used interchangeably with the term opioid.

The great majority of illicitly used prescription opioids are not from drug dealers. Family and friends are now the greatest source of illicit prescription opioids, and the majority of these opioids are obtained from one physician–not from “doctor shopping”. More than 90% of the world’s opium and heroin supply comes from Afghanistan and Southeast Asia. ‘Black tar’ heroin comes primarily from Mexico. Opioids are the most effective known pain relievers, sometimes leading to opioid addiction requiring treatment. The utilization and abuse of opioids goes back to antiquity. The pain sensation relieving and euphoric effects of opioids maintained to Sumerians (4000 B.C.) and Egyptians (2000 B.C.).

What Happens When an Opioid is Taken?

When an opioid is taken in to the body by any route (by mouth, nasally, smoking or injecting) it enters the bloodstream and travels towards the brain. When it attaches for an opioid receptor within the brain, our perception of pain is reduced (if we have pain) and that we feel sedated. Many people also feel at least a gentle pleasurable sensation or a sense of well-being when opioid receptors are stimulated. Some report feeling more energized or motivated after taking opioids. Several experiences unpleasant side effects for example nausea, vomiting or irritability. Unfortunately, those people who are prone to develop an opioid addiction appear to experience an intense euphoric or pleasurable feeling once they take an opioid – leading to prolonged dependence requiring opioid addiction treatment.

An opioid seems to make a move for their mood that it does not do for most people. Their knowledge about an opioid is very different than it is for the person who is not vulnerable to develop an opioid addiction. Drugs of abuse (like opioids, cocaine and alcohol) are addictive for the susceptible person because repeated use of those substances–in an effort to reproduce that intense euphoric feeling–results in long-term alterations in the structure and also the function from the brain. These changes in the brain start to drive their behavior, and when someone is struggling with opioid addiction, they need the drug even when the drug no longer provides pleasure.

Opioids that can be snorted, inhaled or injected get to the brain in a high concentration rapidly and result in a much more intense high, or perhaps a “rush”. Consequently, drugs that may be abused by these routes in many cases are more desirable towards the person seeking euphoria, and therefore are therefore more addictive for the susceptible person.

What’s Opioid Dependence? Could it be the same as Opioid Addiction?

Yes – opioid dependence and opioid addiction have a similar meaning. Opioid dependence is a disease affecting the mind that involves both an actual and a psychological need for an opioid, as well as opioid addiction treatment. An individual is recognized as “dependent” or “addicted” when he or she exhibits this behavior–compulsive use despite obvious harm. The addicted person can’t seem to stop using opioids even when there’s no question to themselves and others that she or he should stop. Both major signs of opioid addiction are cravings–an intense and overwhelming desire to have a drug–and a loss of revenue of control–it becomes progressively difficult to say no to presenting a drug, or manipulating the amount used, and therefore use becomes compulsive. Behaviors which signal an excuse for opioid addiction treatment include:

* Denial that a problem exists, or minimizing the seriousness of the issue.
* Impaired control over use–using more than planned.
* Considerable time is spent obtaining, using or recovering from using opioids.
* Important obligations like school, work, or childcare are reduced with regard to use.
* Multiple prior unsuccessful tries to quit, or a persistent desire to quit.
* Continued use despite obvious injury to one’s health, job, finances or family.

What is Physical Dependence?

One is said to have “physical dependence” on opioids should they have high “tolerance”, meaning more of the substance is required to get the same effect, and they get withdrawal symptoms if the substance is stopped. Most sufferers who seek opioid addiction treatment also provide some degree of physical dependence. However, physical dependence alone isn’t sufficient to create a proper diagnosis of addiction. A person can be physically dependent–such like a cancer patient might be who’s prescribed opioids for severe pain–and’t be addicted. Again, addiction refers to certain behaviors.

Patients who are being treated for chronic pain can be cultivated what we call “pseudo addiction”. They may begin to exhibit a few of the same behaviors we have seen with addiction when they don’t get adequate pain relief. When their pain is controlled, the behaviors that people associate with opioid addiction disappear. They do not need opioid addiction treatment. They require better pain management.