• Opioids – Blog By South Florida Detox Center

    If someone you know has been prescribed an opiate medication or has a history of drug dependence in West Palm Beach, it’s vital for their well-being that you can recognize the symptoms of opiate addiction. Morphine and codeine are the two natural, pain-relieving products created from opium, and their euphoric effect can result in addictions and drug dependence .

    Recognizing Opioids

    Opiate Addiction Signs Among the most common reasons for people to seek a doctor’s help is to find pain relief. Opioids, also called narcotics or opiates, are pain relievers that are produced from opium. Synthetic and imitation forms of morphine and codeine include heroin, fentanyl, hydrocodone, methadone, oxycodone, and meperidine.

    Risks of Opioids

    When taken appropriately and only to treat pain, opioids are unlikely to cause addiction. Because of the intoxicating high that opiates create, whether injected or ingested, dependence becomes likely when they are taken in high doses. Opioids are also powerful anxiety relievers and these potent effects make narcotics one of the most common types of drugs abused in the United States.

    Drug Abuse, Dependence, or Addiction

    These terms mean the same thing to many people, but doctors have specific definitions for drug abuse, dependence, and addiction. Drug abuse occurs when a person deliberately uses a drug other than how it is prescribed. Once a person’s body develops a tolerance to the effects of a drug and will also suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug, they have developed a drug dependence. If a person experiences psychological effects, such as a compulsion to get the drug, in addition to a drug dependence, they are considered to have a drug addiction.

    Symptoms of Opioid Dependence

    Symptoms of narcotic abuse can include euphoria, analgesia, small pupils, slurred speech, and confusion. They may also experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, flushed skin, and slow or shallow breathing. Once a person develops a tolerance to an opiate, they will have withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug, which can include anxiety, vomiting, sweating, and rapid breathing.

  • Who Is the Average Heroin User?

    Heroin is part of a family of drugs called opioids, which can cause a strong chemical dependence in a short period of time. Like many other addictions, heroin addiction can be difficult or impossible to overcome alone—seeking professional help with opiate detox and substance abuse treatment in West Palm Beach is the very best way to break free from drug dependence.

    Current trends indicate a dramatic increase in heroin use and heroin addiction in recent years. This video discusses a study comparing the demographics of individuals suffering from heroin addiction in the 1960s with those suffering from heroin-based addictions today. Not only will you learn more about the type of individual most likely to suffer from heroin addiction today; you’ll also learn more about the reasons behind the current increase in heroin usage.

  • Why Opioid Addiction is Not About Character

    There is a lot of stigma surrounding opiate addiction in West Palm Beach and the rest of the country. People of all ages, economic backgrounds, races, genders, ethnicities, and social classes can become addicted to opioids. Opiates are very commonly prescribed to people who are in severe or chronic pain, and they are incredibly addictive and difficult to stop taking .

    Watch this video for some more insight into opiate addiction. The video demonstrates that opiate addiction is a chemical process that occurs in the brain, and that has nothing to do with a person’s background, character, or walk of life. Drug detox can be a great choice for people struggling with addictions.

  • Understanding Opioid Addiction

    Opiate addiction is one of the most common reasons that people enter substance abuse treatment near West Palm Beach. Opiate addiction can quickly ruin a person’s physical and mental health, social and professional relationships, and finances. Here are some facts that might help you better understand opiate addiction, opioid withdrawal, and the need for swift intervention and substance abuse treatment.

    Why Opiate Abuse is So Common

    Opiate Addiction Danger The most frequently abused opiates are heroin, morphine, codeine, Vicodin, OxyContin, Dilaudid, and Duragesic. Opiates are commonly prescribed to treat chronic or severe pain. In 2012, doctors wrote more than 259 million prescriptions for opiates. Four out of five heroin users admit that they moved on to heroin after abusing prescription opiates, either obtained legally or illegally. Almost all chose to use heroin because prescription opioids were more expensive and harder to obtain. Opiate use initially produces an intense feeling of wellbeing or euphoria that quickly becomes addictive to users. As opiate use continues, the user will need to take more and more in order to achieve that same initial feeling. This almost always leads to opiate abuse, and often leads to opiate overdose.

    Dangers of Opiate Addiction

    In high doses, opiates can cause cardiac or respiratory arrest. Attempts to illegally obtain opiates can put a user in risky or even life-threatening situations. Many users are arrested for possessing or attempting to purchase opiates. Opiate abuse puts incredible stress on a user’s family, friends, and professional relationships. Many users are unable to maintain relationships or hold down a job due to their drug use. Many also have unstable finances, as it becomes increasingly expensive to maintain their opiate addiction.

    What Happens during Opioid Withdrawal

    Opioid withdrawal symptoms are incredibly uncomfortable, but are not life threatening. Many people experience opioid withdrawal if they are unable to obtain more opiates before the ones in their system begin disappearing. Withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, agitation, muscle aches and pains, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hot and cold sweats, a runny nose, and teary eyes. These opioid withdrawal symptoms can last from one week to one month.