Drug addiction is something that affects millions of Americans every day. One of the most pervasive and addictive types of drugs is the category of drugs known as opioids. Part of the reason opioids are so pervasive is that they are the most widely prescribed drug for pain relief/ This makes it so that people who use them usually still have a chance of becoming addicted. Opioid addiction has become a major problem in the United States, and the number of people addicted has grown exponentially in recent years.

At Principles Recovery Center, we know that getting over opioid addiction and recovery safely is important to our clients and their families. In order to do that, it’s important to know your options and what to do. In this post, we will look at what drugs are opioids, the symptoms of opioid abuse, whether opioids can cause withdrawal, and how to find an opioid detox program in South Florida.

Which Drugs Are Opioids?

Opioids are an entire class of drugs that are derived from the opium poppy plant. The most basic form of the drug opium has been used for centuries for its pain-relieving qualities. However, today, two varieties of opioids are available: prescription painkillers and illegal drugs like heroin.

The vast majority of pain-relieving drugs that are prescribed to Americans are, in fact, opioids because of their potency in blocking pain receptors. Opioids are prescribed for everything from minor injuries to pain management for cancer and terminal illness. Some of the common drugs that are prescribed include oxycodone, various forms of hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, and methadone.

Symptoms of Opioid Abuse

Like with most every drug, both physical and psychological or emotional side effects go along with opioid abuse. If you think someone you know has an opioid abuse problem, here are a few of the symptoms to look out for.

The first symptom is increased cravings or seeking out the drug even beyond its recommended usage or changing the way in which a person takes the drug in the first place. If you notice that the person is taking too much or still taking opioids past what they were prescribed, they may be abusing opioids.

Other signs include: feeling angry or agitated all the time, shallow or slowed breathing, mood swings, and depression. Once a person becomes addicted, they also tend to detach from friends and family and day-to-day responsibilities in favor of finding and taking more opioids. They may neglect work, family obligations like taking care of children or even things they used to enjoy like being with friends and socializing.

People who have been abusing opioids for a period of time may even resort to illicit means to acquire more opioids, particularly if they no longer have a valid reason for a prescription or are using more than a doctor has allotted them.

Can Opioids Cause Withdrawal?

Opioids are capable of causing withdrawal, just like most other drugs. The reason that opioids can cause withdrawal is that they affect the brain and the central nervous system. Over time, they alter the body’s chemistry, causing a person using opioids to need more and more to function on a daily basis.

Once a person becomes chemically dependent on opioids, they can suffer symptoms of withdrawal if they stop using them. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild, such as sweating, fever, and chills, to seizures, heart palpitations, and even death if unsupervised. That’s why it is never a good idea to quit using opioids or any other type of drug cold turkey because quitting can be fatal.

How to Find an Opioid Detox Program in South Florida

The best way to find an opioid detox program for you or your loved one in South Florida is to visit us here at Principles Recovery Center. We offer medically supervised opioid detox to all our clients so that they can begin the full treatment process clean and sober. We offer a full range of care that exceeds your average rehab center. Whether you’re dealing with an opioid addiction, addiction coupled with mental illness that requires dual diagnosis care, or you need outpatient or aftercare services, we are there for you.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an opioid addiction, contact Principles Recovery Center today and let us get started getting you on the path to recovery.

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky( Medical Director )

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky is a board-certified psychiatrist and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Facultad De Ciencias Medicas/Universidad Nacional. He is affiliated with medical facilities North Shore Medical Center.