Opioid Abuse: How and When to Get Help

Opioid Abuse: How and When to Get Help Opioids are so highly addictive that they have created a dangerous and deadly epidemic in the United States. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that more than 2 million Americans abuse opioids and that more than 90 Americans die on average by opioid overdose every day. Individuals can become addicted to opioids so quickly that it can be difficult to notice when the line has been crossed over to opioid abuse. If you or your loved one is taking opioids, whether legal or illegal, make note of these signs and symptoms of opioid abuse and how to get help. How Does Opioid Abuse Begin? Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors, interfering with communication between the brain and the nerves in the body. This brings pain relief to people who are experiencing some type of chronic pain that over-the-counter medications aren’t strong enough to soothe. It also brings along a euphoric, relaxing feeling that can become addictive to users. This euphoria is the release of a large amount of dopamine which triggers the reward system in the brain. The more this reward system is triggered, the more the brain craves it and deems it essential for survival. In short: opioids trick the brain into thinking they are required in order to survive. Signs of Opioid Abuse Any individual who uses opioids is at risk of becoming addicted to opioids. That is why it is so important to learn all of the signs of opioid abuse so that intervention can ta...
Source: Cliffside Malibu - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Addiction Recovery Addiction to Pharmaceuticals Detox Resources for Alcohol and Drugs/Opiates abuse heroin heroin addiction heroin users opiate abuse opioid opioid crisis opioids prescription drug abuse prescription drug addiction Source Type: blogs