If you can remember Y2K, you might recall a time when doctors prescribed opioids at the drop of a hat. The willy-nilly distribution of legal medications was part of the catalyst behind today’s opioid epidemic, along with the introduction of newer, more powerful synthetic opioids. We have learned a lot in the past couple of decades about how these drugs work and the risks they carry. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center, we offer treatment for people who are battling opioid addiction.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a broad category of substances that include legal and illegal narcotic drugs, such as:
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Morphine
Some of these drugs are naturally occurring, while others are synthetic, but all of them are addictive and potentially dangerous
Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction
The use of opioids to treat chronic pain was very common in the past, but this is no longer recommended, due to the high risk of addiction. Opioids become less effective over time, and they can also make people more sensitive to pain, which can make the problem worse than it was to begin with. For this reason, many doctors are looking toward other ways to help patients manage chronic pain that do not require opioid medications, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Therapeutic exercise
- Talk therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy
Signs of Opioid Misuse
When a person misuses opioids, they are likely to show at least a few of the following symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Decreased appetite
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Mood changes
- Social isolation
- Not fulfilling work, school, or personal obligations
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Changes in appearance
Signs of Opioid Withdrawal
The symptoms a person experiences when withdrawing from opioids can range from unpleasant to life-threatening:
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration
- Body aches
- Fever
Narcan on Hand
If you believe someone in your life is misusing opioids, it is a good idea to keep a supply of several doses of naloxone, also known as Narcan. This is a medication that helps to reverse an opioid overdose until the person can receive emergency medical care. Naloxone is available over the counter, and you may be able to obtain it for free. Don’t worry about giving naloxone to someone who does not need it, as it will not affect a person who isn’t overdosing.
Spotting an Opioid Overdose
Opioids utilize the same brain receptors that regulate heart rate and breathing, so when those receptors get overwhelmed by an opioid, there is a very high risk that the person will overdose. If this occurs, they will likely show signs that their body isn’t getting enough oxygen, such as:
- Pale, clammy skin
- Limp body
- A blue or purple tinge to fingernails and lips
- Vomiting or gurgling noises
- Inability to talk or wake up
- Slow or stepped pulse/breathing
Reversing an Overdose
If you observe someone who you think could be overdosing on opioids, it is crucial that you act quickly to save their life:
- Call 911 since they will need medical attention, even if you are able to resuscitate them, to ensure that they do not resume overdosing when the Narcan wears off.
- Begin CPR if the person is not breathing or if their breathing is weak.
- Administer naloxone, but understand that they may need more than one dose to respond and may require additional doses, even after regaining consciousness.
- Stay with them until emergency assistance arrives.
Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
While opioids are dangerous and highly addictive, OUD is a treatable condition. Thanks to medications that can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms, decrease cravings, and block the high from using opioids, there are more treatment options for OUD than in the past. In addition to medications, substance use counseling, mental health therapy, and self-help groups can be important parts of a treatment plan for people recovering from opioid addiction.
Safe Harbor Recovery Center, in Portsmouth and Chesapeake, Virginia, offers evidence-based treatment for men and women who are battling addiction, which includes treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions and family programming to support our clients’ loved ones.