An unfortunate epidemic sweeping across the United States is opioid addiction. Over two million people are battling this problem currently, and the numbers are not showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, prescriptions for opioids have multiplied by four times between 1999 and 2014. As a result, opioid medications have become more widely available than ever and extremely easy to obtain, which is why it’s no surprise that the U.S. is facing an opioid crisis at the moment. A lot of individuals and family members often ask themselves how they are able to recognize and diagnose opioid addiction. There are many factors involved in diagnosing opioid addiction, as it relies on the intimate observation of signs, symptoms, behavioral changes, and often different types of behavioral or health-related crises. Read on to learn more about how to spot opioid addictions and when to seek help for a family member or loved one. Hope Centers of Central Florida offer drug treatment centers all around the Orlando area. Call Hope Centers of Central Florida today for more information.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a family of pain-relieving drugs which include fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, and oxycodone. Doctors typically recommend these drugs to treat moderate to serious pain. They also advise caution when taking them medically, as patients may start to abuse them without even realizing due to their highly addictive nature. It’s essential to have an understanding of opioids in order to potentially diagnose opioid addiction or abuse. Opioids can cut down on the feelings of pain through acting on the limbic system, the brainstem, and the spinal cord. They attach to receptors in the brain, which sends signals to block out the pain and produce a calming and relaxing effect. No matter if we’re talking about Vicodin or heroin, the effect is primarily the same, though it varies in intensity and duration. Much like opioid addiction, usage of opioids varies among different demographics. Adults aged 40 years or older are typically more likely to experience issues and become addicted to the drug than younger users.
Dependence, Addiction, and Abuse of Opioid Medications
There is a clear distinction between these three terms, though people often use them interchangeably. Addiction consists of substance raving, an inability to control usage, and continuing to use the drug despite serious consequences. Women face a higher risk of developing opioid addiction since they are more likely to experience chronic pain than their male counterparts. Even though the percentage of men that die from drug overdoses is typically higher than that of women, there is evidence that illustrates that women are the ones who are more prone to initiate opioid use. This is generally due to the fact that doctors prescribe opioids to women for longer periods, heightening the probability of them developing an addiction.
Contact Us Today
If you think that you or somebody close to you has an addiction to opioid medications, it’s important to seek help. Hope Centers of Central Florida provides drug treatment centers around Orlando. Call Hope Centers of Central Florida for more information today.
