Opiate Addiction

Opiate addiction is a dangerous and sometimes deadly disease that results when an individual becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the use of opiates or opioids in order to feel good or otherwise function. Opiate addiction can be treated but the treatment will take time and effort on the addict’s part to ensure that they have a successful recovery that lasts. Unfortunately, opiates are highly addictive and they do change the chemical makeup of the brain which makes addiction treatment a long and drawn out process.

Opiate Addiction Symptoms

Various symptoms may be present when an individual is addicted to opiates. Many of the symptoms of opiate addiction are physical such as bone or muscle pain that results when the drug is not used. Some of the less noticeable symptoms are those psychological symptoms that one cannot see but which are felt by the addict such as anxiety or depression that results when there is not enough of an opiate or when the opiates are abruptly removed from the equation. Read more about opiate addiction symptoms here.

Signs of Opiate Addiction

Recognizing the signs of opiate addiction early on can make the difference between whether an addict lives or dies as a result of this dangerous condition. Opiate addiction signs may include being distant from friends or family members in order to use drugs, spending bill money on drugs or using the drug despite telling yourself that you won’t use again. Various other signs may become evident after prolonged addiction to opiates such as lack of motivation, poor performance at work or school and health issues. Read more about signs of opiate addiction here.

Opiate Addiction Statistics

The statistics surrounding opiate addiction are alarming. For instance, did you know that opiate addiction results in over half of all accidental drug fatalities? Or, that opiates such as methadone account for more than 5,000 deaths per year in the United States alone? These are just a few of the alarming statistics that surround addiction to opiates such as heroin, methadone, prescription painkillers and opium. Read more about opiate addiction statistics here.

Opiate Addiction Help

Fortunately, there are many different options available to those who suffer from opiate addiction. Help is available in the form of inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, counseling and therapy as well as various methods of safe detox to assist patients in overcoming physical dependence on opiates and preparing for the psychological counseling that is necessary to ensure complete recovery. If you or someone that you care about suffers from an addiction to heroin, Vicodin, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, methadone, or another opiate based drug there is help available locally. Many affordable options exist including free rehab programs and specialty programs that are funded by the community, the government or other entities. This ensures that all addict have an equal chance of getting the help that they need for this dangerous addiction. Read more about opiate addiction help here.