The country is currently dealing with an opioid epidemic, making it essential to know the signs of opioid addiction and how opioid addiction treatment is necessary to overcome the opioid-related problem. Even though opioids can be helpful in certain medical situations, they can also be highly addictive.
Suppose you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction. In that case, it’s essential to recognize the opioid addiction signs and take action quickly by seeking help at a professional opioid addiction treatment center. To find one, search “opioid addiction treatment near me” online or call 833.551.2304 to speak with someone from Gulf Breeze Recovery about our opioid addiction treatment options.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids have been used for centuries as a pain reliever, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that people discovered their addictive properties. The first signs of opioid addiction began to appear in the 1960s when doctors started prescribing opioids more often for pain relief. As opioid prescriptions increased, so did substance abuse cases involving these drugs. By the 1990s, reports of deaths related to opioids had skyrocketed and led to a crisis that continues today. In response, medical professionals began working on better ways to monitor patients’ use of opioids while also developing more effective methods of treating opioid addiction and preventing further overdoses from occurring.
Opioids are a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy plant. Commonly prescribed opioids include the following:
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
They are typically prescribed for severe chronic pain conditions such as cancer, but people can also use them to treat acute pain from injuries or surgeries.
Opioid addiction occurs when someone takes more of the drug than recommended by their doctor or uses it without a prescription. When taken as directed by a physician, opioids can be beneficial in treating moderate to severe pain. However, because these drugs create euphoria and relaxation when taken in high doses—effects that people may find desirable—they can lead to abuse and addiction if misused.
5 Signs of Opioid Addiction
The main signs of opioid addiction include the following:
- Physical dependence or tolerance
- Psychological dependence or cravings
- Changes in behavior, such as neglecting responsibilities
- Physical withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting)
- Social isolation or spending time alone
It’s essential to pay attention to these signs so you can seek professional help for opioid addiction as soon as possible.
What to Expect From Opioid Addiction Treatment
When you enter an opioid addiction treatment program at Gulf Breeze Recovery in Florida, you will undergo medical and psychological treatment designed specifically for your needs. Medical interventions may include detoxification services and medication-assisted treatment (MAT)—using drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as Suboxone or Vivitrol, which reduce cravings while helping manage withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively. In fact, MAT is approved chiefly for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
On the psychological side of things, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is typically included in all opioid addiction treatment plans to address underlying issues such as anxiety or depression that could have contributed to the development of the substance use disorder.
Find Opioid Addiction Treatment in Florida at Gulf Breeze Recovery
Recognizing the signs of opioid addiction is essential for anyone who wants help for themselves or someone else struggling with this particular substance use disorder before it’s too late. If you are in Florida and are noticing opioid addiction signs in your daily life or that of someone you love, contact Gulf Breeze Recovery today at 833.551.2304. Our caring and compassionate team of professionals is here to help you take the necessary steps to recover successfully.
