If you suspect that you or a loved one is addicted to an opioid, like prescription narcotics, or opiate, like heroin or morphine, it’s the right time to look into treatment. If you feel suspicious and worry about your drug use, you have already entered the stage of recovery called “contemplation.” You are no longer in denial; you are starting to realize there is a problem, and you are willing to learn more—even though you may not be ready to commit.
Are you thinking, “What if I’m not really addicted?” Because the abuse of opioids affects nearly all the body’s systems, if you are addicted, you are likely to feel any number of symptoms if your supply is cut off or delayed in acquiring your next dose. If you have ever experienced any withdrawal symptoms, you may be addicted.
At Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC), we are committed to helping those who need to seek treatment for their opioid addiction. To find out more about our addiction treatment options, reach out using the online form or call 844.442.8673.
What is Drug Withdrawal?
Withdrawal from an opioid is serious and is both difficult to manage on your own and potentially dangerous. Symptoms include:
- Drug cravings
- Extreme agitation
- Yawning
- Body aches
- Belly pain
- Chills/goosebumps
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
People will go to great lengths to avoid these and other withdrawal side-effects. That usually means continuing to abuse the drug that has them in its grip.
Opioid Side Effects
Long-term drug use, commonly the result of addiction that goes untreated, causes a long list of significant potential side effects. The following (partial) list applies to synthetic opioids like OxyContin and Fentanyl and opiates derived from the poppy plant.
- Cirrhosis and other diseases of the liver
- Skin abscesses
- Cardiac problems (infection, dysrhythmia, heart attack)
- Respiratory infections
- Suicidal ideation
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Overdose/coma/death
Seeking opioid addiction treatment before permanent or fatal damage is done to the body is, of course, ideal. However, remember that it is never too late to start a life of sobriety and achieve wellness.
Are Prescription Pain Relieving Drugs Addictive?
Since the 1990s, when the FDA approved the opioid OxyContin and marketed it with erroneous claims to be non-addictive, addiction to pain-relieving drugs has hit crisis levels in the United States.
People who suffer from chronic or acute pain have found relief. Most pain patients can take a prescription opioid without becoming addicted, but the risk is still statistically significant. Patients should be alerted to the warning signs and what to avoid regarding their opioid use. One of the first things at-risk patients do is take one or two unsanctioned doses, thus running out of their prescription a bit early. This is a red-flag and the moment to change direction to avoid further steps to addiction. Other signs include:
- Inability to fulfill work and family obligations
- Going to multiple doctors to receive prescriptions
- Significant time and resources spent on acquiring the drug
- Acquiring the drug from non-medical suppliers
Consider these warning signs to be serious if you see them in yourself or someone you love.
Seek Treatment at Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge
At PAATC, we offer safe detox, medical supervision throughout your program, talk therapy—individual or in a group, music therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and more.
It’s never too soon to seek help, and it’s never too late. Whenever you reach out is the right time.
Contact PAATC to discuss options for opioid rehab in a safe environment under the guidance of compassionate professionals. You can call us at 844.442.8673 or use our simple online form. We will compassionately listen to your story and answer your questions.
