Opiate Addiction
Opiate Addiction
Opiate addiction is an extremely dangerous condition that often affects every aspect of a person’s life. Opiate use can lead to unpleasant and sometimes severe mental and physical health complications, including but not limited to:
- Insomnia
- Pneumonia and tuberculosis
- Depression
- Antisocial tendencies
- Sexual dysfunction
- Damage of mucosal tissues or perforated septum (snorting)
- Scarred and/or collapsed veins (injecting)
- Infection of the blood vessels or heart valves
- Abscesses
- Exposure to disease through sharing of needles
- Life-threatening central nervous system depression
- Death
The Long-Term Dangers of Opiate Use
Opioid addiction has many short-term as well as long-term damaging effects to both the body and the brain.
Studies have shown that for some people, opiate use causes actual changes in the physical structure and physiology of the brain.
This can cause long-term neurological and hormonal imbalances that may be permanent.
Opioids can also damage decision-making abilities and hinder the user’s capacity for emotional relation.
The Best Methods of Treatment
Opiate is best treating using a comprehensive approach, including individual therapy and counseling, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. The following prescription drugs for helping addicts recovery from opiate addiction:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Methadone
Detoxing and Recovery from Opiate Addiction
The first critical step in the treatment of opiate addiction is detoxification. During this process, clients are treating using medication-assisted therapies and around-the-clock supervision.
After detox is complete, clients are give a full physical and psychology assessment, and collaborate with professionals to develop a customized, comprehensive plan for care that includes inpatient or outpatient treatment.