Opioid addiction

Opioid addiction is a cluster of physiological, behavioral, and cognitive phenomena in which the use of an opioid substance takes on a much higher priority for a given individual than other behaviors that once had a greater value.

Heroin is the most commonly abused opioid; others include morphine, buprenorphine, codeine, methadone, substitol, compensane. Some opioids are widely abused for their euphoria-producing properties when administered intravenously, intranasally, or when smoked. The euphoria is one of the principal bases behind the development of psychological dependence. One of the characteristics of the opioid addiction is that tolerance rapidly develops to this effect, and rapid dose escalations are required by users seeking to achieve the euphoric state. A relatively small dose of a fast-acting opioid may produce intense euphoria in an "opioid naive" user, but once tolerance develops even very large doses may produce none at all. Opioids also block pain, both physical and emotional. Users come to rely on this ability to block out unwanted feelings, and escape reality. Opioid addiction is a serious condition that must be treated.

What is the difference between “opiates” and “opioids”

Opiates are drugs derived from opium. Opioids used to refer to synthetic opiates (drugs created to emulate opium, however different chemically). Now the term Opioid is used for the entire family of opiates including natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic.

An opioid is any agent that activates opioid receptors (protein molecules located on the membranes of some nerve cells) found principally in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. There are four broad classes of opioids:

• Endogenous opioid, naturally produced in the body, endorphins
• Opium alkaloids, such as morphine and codeine
• Semi-synthetic opioids such as heroin oxycodone, and Buprenorphine
• Fully synthetic opioids, such as methadone, that have structures unrelated to the opium alkaloids

Medical professionals use the word "opioid" to refer to the entire family of opioids, and the word "opiate" for a specific non-synthetic opioid, however, many only use "opioid". Consistent with the current definition, this website uses "opioid" to refer to all opioids and opiates.

Opioid addiction - Withdrawal symptoms:

Signs of withdrawal include strong drug cravings that don’t let up until patients take more. Withdrawal symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may begin within hours of last use. Signs of withdrawal can persist for weeks or months, leaving patients feeling sick and often flu-like.

Some signs of withdrawal symptoms::

• Mood changes
• Agitation
• Tremors
• Runny nose
• Chills
• Sneezing
• Yawning
• Sleeplessness
• Anxiousness
• Restlessness
• Weakness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Depression
• Hallucination
• Delirium
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Muscle and bone pain
• Confusion
• Extreme irritability
• Muscle spasms

Patients are strongly discouraged from trying to detox on their own. This “cold turkey” method can be dangerous, leading to seizures, spikes in blood pressure and convulsions. Withdrawal symptoms can be more intense among those who’ve taken opioids long term and for those who’ve abused the drugs. Smart Drug Detox was proven as a safe, pain free and comfortable way to get detoxed and start an opiates and opioid free life. Opioid addiction can be treated successfully.

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