Opioid Addiction: Effects, Withdrawal, & Treatment
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of substances that work by binding to and activating opioid receptors throughout the brain and body. One of the effects of this receptor activation is a change in the perception of pain. In addition to their role as prescription painkillers, some opioids are also used to manage coughs.”2,3
Since opioids also impact certain neural processes within the reward centers of the brain, some users experience an intense, rewarding euphoria when taking them at high enough doses.2
Opioid Misuse & Addiction
What Is Opioid Misuse?
Opioid misuse means using these drugs in a way other than prescribed, such as by:3,4
- Taking opioids in higher doses or more often than prescribed.
- Taking someone else’s prescription.
- Combining opioids with alcohol or other drugs to amplify the subjective effects.
- Taking opioids in ways other than prescribed (see below).
Some people who use opioids to get high may attempt to intensify the euphoria by taking them in ways other than as prescribed. For example, OxyContin is an extended-release opioid intended for the treatment of moderate to severe pain by steadily releasing opiates into the body after being taken orally, however, people who misuse it may crush the pill to bypass the time-release mechanism and snort or inject it instead.
Opioid Misuse Statistics
According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated:1
- 2% of Americans 12 years old or older misused opioids in the past year.
- The majority of opioid misuse (94.8%) involved prescription painkillers.
- 8% of people who misuse opioids use heroin.
Opioid Effects
Potentially adverse short-term effects of opioids include:4
- Drowsiness.
- Confusion.
- Nausea.
- Constipation.
- Slowed breathing.
In overdose, the breathing may slow to extreme levels or stop completely. This may lead to a lack of oxygen to the brain (hypoxia) which may result in coma, brain damage, or death.3
Opioid overdose is a medical emergency. In the event of an overdose, call 911 and administer Narcan (naloxone) if it is available.3
Potential Effects of Long-Term Opioid Use
The precise impact that prolonged, chronic opioid use has on someone’s life will depend on a number of variables, but many people will be at increased risk for several types of unfavorable outcomes.
The signs and symptoms of opioid addiction will vary, but potential adverse consequences of opioid addiction include:7,8
- A decline in social and interpersonal relationships.
- Difficulty meeting schoolwork obligations.
- Problems with job performance or loss of a job.
- Debt from increased substance-related spending or loss of income.
- Decreased time for previously enjoyed recreational activities.
- Increased risk of disease contraction or other drug-related physical health issues. (e.g., HIV, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, endocarditis, skin and soft tissue infections).
- Intoxication-related injuries.
- Increased risk of opioid-related respiratory depression and overdose death.
People who have consistently used opioid drugs eventually develop physiological dependence and will likely experience withdrawal when they reduce or quit their opioid use.
Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal, while seldom fatal, may involve many unpleasant symptoms. Medical detox can help stabilize a person in withdrawal and make this inevitable hurdle to recovery much more comfortable and bearable.10
Early Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Some of the earliest symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:9
- Insomnia.
- Anxiety.
- Agitation.
- Muscle aches and pains.
- Sweating.
- Increasing tearing and runny nose.
- Yawning.
The precise duration and intensity of withdrawal will vary among individuals and will be influenced by the type of opioid having been used; in some cases, the characteristic withdrawal symptoms may change over the course of a somewhat stepwise progression.
Late Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
As an example, some of the later-stage symptoms of opioid withdrawal may include:9
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal cramping.
- Diarrhea.
- Dilated pupils.
- Goosebumps.
Though opioid withdrawal can be intensely unpleasant, it is seldom life-threatening; with the right withdrawal management care in place, many progress comfortably through this earliest stage of treatment and come out on the other side re-invigorated and ready to begin additional recovery efforts.
As part of medical treatment for opioid use disorder, physician staff may administer opioid agonist medications like methadone and buprenorphine to stabilize people in withdrawal and maintain them through longer-term recovery. Clonidine may additionally be used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms, as well as other adjunctive pharmacotherapies for better management of symptoms such as insomnia, body aches and pains, and headaches.10,11 At some point after being stabilized on an opioid agonist regimen, the choice may be made to taper the recovering individual off the maintenance drugs in a slow, controlled manner, though many people remain on maintenance therapy for longer periods of time.
Opioid Addiction Treatment
No single treatment option will be the right fit for everyone; however, some inclusion of pharmacotherapy (i.e., medication treatment) is widely recognized as the standard of care for long-term management of opioid use disorders. As discussed, this often starts with medical detox and opioid withdrawal management.12
Greenhouse—American Addiction Centers’ (AAC) rehab center near Dallas, TX—offers both inpatient and outpatient programs, making it easy for you to move from one form of treatment to another as your needs dictate. Call to start the admissions process at Greenhouse and learn how to use health insurance to pay for rehab or explore other payment options.
Opioid Addiction Treatment in Texas
Addiction treatment can help people who are struggling with the use or misuse of opioids and xylazine. Greenhouse Treatment Center, our inpatient rehab near Dallas, offers a wide range of evidence-based therapies and different types of rehab care to suit all needs. We can provide:12
- Medical detox, which helps ensure patient safety and comfort during withdrawal.
- Inpatient treatment, where patients live onsite and receive 24/7 care from our expert team of addiction professionals.
- Outpatient care, where patients live at home but travel to our rehab to receive treatment on a regular basis.
- Aftercare, like our sober living facility, which helps patients transition back to day-to-day life in a substance-free, supportive residential environment.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help, call 469-551-4689 to speak with one of our caring admissions navigators who can discuss your rehab options and guide you through the treatment admissions process. You can also learn about insurance coverage for rehab, paying for addiction treatment, and more.
It’s never too late. Contact us to begin the path to recovery today.
Painkiller Addiction Treatment FAQs
Painkillers, particularly opioids, have garnered significant attention due to their high potential for addiction. This stems from their profound ability to alleviate pain, making them appealing for both medical use and recreational purposes. When individuals use these medications, they may experience a temporary sense of euphoria. However, this pleasure can lead to a cycle of dependency, where the need for the drug overshadows its intended use for pain relief.
It should be noted that opioid pain killers are effective short-term (not long-term) medication to control pain.
Pain treatment may involvd opioids or other medications, but this needs to be carried out in a controlled environment.
The reason painkillers can be so addictive lies in their chemical structure and how they interact with the brain’s neurotransmitters. Opioids, for instance, bind to specific receptors in the brain, leading to a release of dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain may require more of the substance to achieve the same euphoric effect, leading to increased usage and a higher risk of developing an addiction.
The physiological effects of painkillers can be extensive. While they effectively diminish pain by blocking pain signals sent from the body to the brain, they also carry the potential for harmful side effects. Regular use can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same pain-relieving effects. Long-term use can result in physical dependence, which means that abruptly stopping the medication could lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and agitation.
Painkillers significantly alter brain function and can lead to changes in behavior. Beyond their pain-relieving properties, they can impair cognitive functions and alter emotional regulation. Chronic use can result in long-lasting changes in the brain’s circuitry, potentially leading to mood disorders, memory issues, and difficulties in decision-making, which can perpetuate the cycle of addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with painkiller addiction, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Treatment options vary and may include a combination of medical detox programs, counseling, and support groups. Effective treatment plans often address not just the physical dependence but also the psychological aspects of addiction, helping individuals develop coping strategies and return to a healthier, more balanced life. Resources are available to guide those affected on the path to recovery and to help them regain control over their lives.
To effectively address the needs of a patient who has developed a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) stemming from the use of opioid painkillers, a comprehensive treatment plan is essential. This plan should incorporate Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapies tailored to the individual’s circumstances. However, managing the patient’s pain also necessitates collaboration with specialized pain management professionals, such as pain specialists who possess both pharmacological knowledge and expertise in behavioral health.
The complexity of pain management requires a multifaceted approach that combines various strategies. This integrated strategy could include non-opioid medications, physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and alternative treatment modalities, such as acupuncture or mindfulness techniques. By ensuring that both the psychological aspects of substance use disorder and the physical aspects of pain are addressed simultaneously, healthcare providers can significantly improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.