Opiate Addiction
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Did you know? In 2023-2024, the UK reported more deaths linked to opiate use than to any other drug.
Opiate addiction is a form of drug addiction, which can have deadly consequences for individuals and communities.
While these stats are limited to the UK only, the prevalence of the drug has increased dramatically all over the world. Many have even started using the substance to get rid of pain or feel at ease for a short period of time. What everyone forgets is that this temporary relief is dragging them into a never-ending cycle of addiction.
The rise in overdose deaths associated with opiate addiction highlights the urgent need for prevention and intervention.
Opiate addiction, being very common and deadly at the same time, is still treatable! Our professional team at PCP understands the challenges this dependence presents and is willing to support you through every step of the journey. Contact our experts today to help yourself or your loved ones achieve the recovery you’ve been longing for.
What Is an Opiate?
An opiate is a naturally derived opioid directly extracted from the opium poppy plant. In simpler words, it can be said that an opiate is the purest form of an opioid. It contains no additives and is not derived synthetically. While opiates are indeed potent, there also exist synthetic opioids that are even stronger due to their composition. Opioids include natural opiates like morphine and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, methadone, and buprenorphine, all of which can provide pain relief but also carry risks of dependence and overdose.
Doctors usually prescribe opiates as opioid analgesics for chronic pain management. Even when taken under supervision, this drug can form dependence in no time. It is for this reason that doctors are extremely cautious when prescribing opiates. Patients are also advised to stay in contact with their healthcare provider when they’re receiving these prescription drugs.
Working Mechanism and Action on the Brain
Opiates affect the way our brain and body feel pain. They attach themselves to special spots on the nerve cells called opioid receptors. When they bind to these opioid receptors, they instantly block pain signals from reaching the brain. With that, it also signals the brain to release feelings of pleasure or calm. Consequently, one doesn’t feel any pain and feels relieved as soon as the drug is consumed.
How It Is Consumed
Medically prescribed opiates or opioids are consumed in the form of pills or tablets. Many people also use the drug in the form of an injection to have a quick relief. Another medically administered way may include using patches of opioids on the skin for long-acting pain management.
It is important to follow medical guidance when taking opioids to reduce the risk of dependence, misuse, and other serious side effects.
Nevertheless, opiates are also misused by many. Some common methods may include:
Crushing and snorting tablets.
Injecting the liquid form directly into the bloodstream.
Or ingesting buccally by placing the drug under the tongue, where it gets absorbed by the blood vessels.
Effects
Any drug, whether it is consumed for medical purposes or recreational, can have drastic effects on the human mind. Opiates and opioids are classified as psychoactive substances because they affect mental state and behaviour. When opiates and opioids are consumed, expect to experience:
Euphoria
Slowed breathing rate
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation
Drowsiness
Sedation
Dry mouth
Pruritus
Are Opiates and Opioids the Same?
No, opiates and opioids aren’t the same. While both terms are often utilised interchangeably, their composition differs a lot.
As discussed earlier, opiates are drugs that are directly obtained from the opium poppy plant. These may include morphine, opium, codeine, and opium itself. These substances are all natural and come directly from the source.
Conversely, opioid is considered a broader category that includes natural opiates as well as synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs. Its common examples are heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Other opioids, beyond just opiates, can also cause a range of complications, including increased risk of infections and adverse physiological effects.
In short, all opiates are opioids, but not all opioids are opiates. Their chemical makeup, that is, whether they are naturally derived or man-made, differentiates one from the other. Differentiating opiates from other drugs is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Commonly Used Opiates and Their Street Names
In medicine, opiates are prescribed for pain relief or often to treat a severe cough. Three of the most well-known ones are:
Opium: It is the substance directly extracted from the plant. Earlier, it was widely used in medicine, but today’s doctors have limited its prevalence due to its strong effects.
Morphine: This is one of the most powerful painkillers. It is often prescribed in hospitals after or during surgeries to manage pain. If misused, this medication can form dependence in no time.
Codeine: Codeine is used in cough syrups and painkillers to alleviate discomfort. It is a milder opiate, however, still potent and can lead to addiction if abused.
Unfortunately, many prescription opiates often end up being misused or sold illegally off the market. Street vendors may often give them various names just so the drugs sound less harmful.
For instance, opium is often endorsed as the Black Stuff, morphine as the White Stuff, and codeine as SchoolBoy. These names can vary across different areas; however, the threat they pose remains the same. Additionally, individuals who develop a tolerance or need higher doses may turn to street drugs, which are especially dangerous because they can be contaminated or much more potent due to substances like fentanyl.
Opiate Addiction
Not everyone takes opioids for medical purposes. Many consume them just for the sake of feeling pleasure or attaining a state of euphoria. This temporary happiness often compels the user to take the drug again and again. Repeated use of opiates significantly increases the risk of developing dependence and addiction. Over time, tolerance develops and elicits a never-ending cycle of addiction.
And things don’t stop there! As the body gets used to the presence of the drug, more of it is needed to attain the same euphoric effects. Moreover, if during this time a person tries to break the pattern, withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, and nausea may begin to appear. For example, someone might start using opiates to cope with stress, which can quickly escalate into addiction. Consequently, the person is left with no other choice than to use the drug again.
Additionally, the dependence doesn’t just target the body, but it equally affects the brain’s working mechanism. The brain’s reward system becomes dependent on the drug to feel at peace. As a result, quitting the drug becomes extremely difficult for individuals, no matter how strong their willpower is.
Besides the mind and body, opiate addiction also has a significant impact on other domains of life. Relationships are damaged, finances are disorganised, mental health is disturbed, and most importantly, self-esteem is distorted. It is not uncommon for such individuals to experience feelings of guilt, isolation, and loss of control over their daily lives.
No matter how severe an individual’s opiate addiction is, the good news is that its recovery is possible. To heal and regain a sense of stability, one just requires the right professional guidance, medical supervision, counselling, and strong emotional support.
Risk Factors for Addiction
Opioid addiction does not develop in isolation—several risk factors can increase a person’s vulnerability to opioid use disorder. Genetics play a significant role, with some individuals inheriting a predisposition that makes them more likely to develop addiction when exposed to opioids. A personal or family history of substance use disorders, including drug or alcohol abuse, also raises the risk.
Prescription opioids, while effective for managing severe pain, can lead to opioid dependence if used for longer periods or at higher doses than recommended. People who use opioids outside of medical guidance, such as taking more than prescribed or using them to self-medicate emotional distress, are at a much higher risk of developing opioid addiction.
Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are closely linked to opioid use disorder. Individuals struggling with these conditions may turn to opioids for relief, inadvertently increasing their risk of addiction. Environmental factors, including exposure to drug use in the home or community, can also contribute to the likelihood of opioid misuse.
Healthcare professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) to identify opioid use disorder, which outlines specific criteria for diagnosing opioid dependence and addiction. Recognising these risk factors early can help prevent the progression from opioid use to opioid addiction, allowing for timely intervention and support.
Is It Possible to Develop Opiate Addiction From Taking Prescription Opioids?
Yes, it is definitely possible to form opiate addiction from prescription drugs. Even when opioid medicine is prescribed by a doctor, there is a risk of developing addiction, especially with prolonged use. In fact, many studies have found that a significant number of people in the UK developed opioid use disorder after being prescribed opiate medicines.
The UK Government revealed that this rise in individuals developing dependence on prescription opiate drugs is linked to their prolonged use. To handle this situation, the NHS implemented even stricter rules for obtaining prescription opiates.
Moreover, the Faculty of Pain Medicine UK has also proposed conditions for doctors to consider when writing opiate prescriptions. According to these regulations, any prescription, including those for opioids, must be valid for only 28 days. When using opioids, it is essential to follow medical advice closely to minimize the risk of addiction and ensure safe usage.
Complications of Addiction
Opioid addiction can have far-reaching and serious consequences for both physical and mental health. One of the most dangerous complications is opioid overdose, which can result in life-threatening respiratory depression and, in some cases, death. The risk of overdose increases significantly when opioids are combined with other substances, such as alcohol or sedatives.
Chronic opioid use often leads to physical dependence, meaning the body adapts to the presence of the drug and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced or stopped. These withdrawal symptoms can include intense cravings, muscle aches, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia, making it difficult for individuals to quit without support.
Opioid misuse is also associated with a higher risk of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis, particularly when drugs are injected or shared. Mental health complications, including depression and anxiety disorders, frequently develop or worsen as a result of ongoing opioid addiction. Social and economic problems, such as job loss, strained relationships, and financial instability, are common among those struggling with opioid use disorder.
Healthcare professionals play a vital role in addressing these complications by offering evidence-based treatments, including medication-assisted therapy (MAT) with opioid antagonists like naltrexone. These treatments can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery, improving overall health and quality of life.
Opioid Overdose Prevention
Preventing opioid overdose is a critical aspect of addressing the opioid crisis and supporting those at risk of opioid use disorder. Education is key—both healthcare professionals and patients need to understand the risks associated with opioid medicines, including the potential for addiction and overdose. Doctors can help by prescribing opioids only when necessary, using the lowest effective dose, and closely monitoring patients for signs of misuse or withdrawal symptoms.
Patients should always use opioids exactly as prescribed, never combining them with other substances like alcohol or sedatives, which can increase the risk of overdose. Safe storage and disposal of unused opioids are also important to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse by others in the household.
Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Its availability has expanded in recent years, with some countries allowing over-the-counter sales to make it more accessible in emergencies. Individuals who use opioids, as well as their friends and family, are encouraged to keep naloxone on hand and learn how to use it.
Organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and other health and human services agencies provide valuable resources on opioid overdose prevention, treatment options, and support services. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, both individuals and healthcare professionals can help reduce the risk of opioid overdose and support those affected by opioid use disorder on their path to recovery.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Opiate Addiction
Do not consider opiate addiction as a never-ending battle! The recovery phase is indeed a challenging one, but with the right support, you can ace it slowly and gradually. Health professionals play a crucial role in guiding you through recovery, as they can recommend different treatments tailored to your individual needs. Here’s how the diagnosis and treatment of opiate addiction unfold:
Seeking Professional Help
Withdrawing from opioids can bring about a lot of adverse consequences, such as anxiety, tachycardia, gastrointestinal distress, and even heightened drug craving. These symptoms may start mild, but can quickly become severe, making it risky to manage the withdrawal on your own.
Professional support during this time can help you alleviate these symptoms safely with a structured plan. Addiction specialists or doctors will conduct a detailed assessment of your addiction and prepare a tailored treatment programme for your unique needs. During this assessment, it is important to evaluate for co-occurring mental disorders, as conditions like depression or other psychiatric disorders may be present alongside opioid use or withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient or Outpatient Programmes
Depending on the intensity of your opiate addiction, you may be recommended either an inpatient or an outpatient programme. Many affordable rehab options are available today, making professional treatment accessible for everyone in need. Treatment programmes often address a combination of physical and psychological symptoms that occur during withdrawal.
An inpatient programme involves attending a rehab for a specific period of time as advised by your doctor. During this time, patients are provided with a room, a medical doctor, addiction specialists, and many other amenities. The purpose of this programme is to treat addiction under medical supervision.
Outpatient programmes, on the other hand, allow individuals to continue with their daily life responsibilities while attending regular therapy sessions and medical check-ups. If your opiate dependence is severe and involves detox, you may be suggested to go for an inpatient treatment plan.
Medically Supervised Detox
The first stage of opiate addiction treatment is detox or detoxification. This is the phase where the body gets rid of the drug itself under strict medical supervision. Detox can lead to various health problems, such as severe withdrawal symptoms and other complications, making medical supervision essential to address these risks. The process begins right after the last dose is taken, and depending on the severity of the addiction, it can last up to several days.
The withdrawal symptoms during this period can peak and, if not managed properly, can trigger relapse. To make the whole process more comfortable and smooth, doctors may even prescribe medicines such as naltrexone, methadone, or buprenorphine. Additionally, if any medication reacts or is ineffective, medical professionals ensure to modify the treatment right away.
Counselling and Therapeutic Interventions
Detox alone isn’t enough to overcome opiate addiction. It is essential to fix the underlying issues that triggered the dependence in the first place. One-to-one counselling with a therapist can prove to be great help in exploring one’s own emotional struggles and behavioural shortcomings.
Therapists often use approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to assist patients in understanding their triggers. Through structured counselling schedules, individuals learn to reshape their thinking patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
Non-Traditional Therapeutic Approaches
Besides professional therapeutic interventions, non-traditional therapies can also help in maintaining long-term sobriety. These may include introducing a hobby, practising mindfulness or meditation, or just having a walk outdoors in the fresh air. Many rehabilitation centres have already incorporated such activities in their opiate addiction treatment plans.
Practising these techniques during recovery can help individuals reduce stress and improve the regulation of emotions. This also allows them to understand what their sense of purpose is beyond substance use. With time, these holistic approaches strengthen the mind and body connection, promoting a lasting recovery journey.
Group Therapy or Peer Support Groups
Recovering from opiate addiction requires peer support as well. Dependence can isolate an individual from others due to the fear of being judged. However, in group therapies, judgement is replaced with empathy and understanding. Group therapy provides a supportive environment for opioid users to share experiences and recovery strategies. Individuals in these settings share similar challenges, and therefore, they understand what everyone is going through.
As a result, no one feels misunderstood or alone. Moreover, hearing others’ success stories instils the realisation that recovery is possible, no matter how challenging the journey is. Finally, this sense of shared connection fosters accountability, an important factor in keeping oneself motivated to remain sober.
Aftercare Strategies for Long-Term Recovery
In a rehab, the environment is controlled and supervised, so remaining sober is a more straightforward process. The real struggle begins when rehab is over and one has to reintegrate into society. Aftercare strategies can play a crucial role during this time, helping one to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. Regions like Northern Ireland have implemented successful aftercare and overdose prevention programs, serving as examples of effective support for individuals post-rehab.
This may usually involve an addiction therapist creating a long-term plan. It may include regular check-ins with the therapist, weekly counselling sessions, enrolment in support groups and modifying lifestyle habits.
The PCP rehabilitation centres even have family support programmes in which the patient and their loved ones are provided therapies together. This engagement restores broken bonds and allows individuals to transition back into their lives.
Choosing PCP to Recover From Opiate Addiction!
At PCP, we recognise that overcoming opiate addiction requires more than just medical treatment. Opiate addiction can cause significant harm, including physical, mental, and social consequences, making it crucial to address these risks through comprehensive treatment. It calls for compassion, patience, and continuous support. Our rehabilitation programmes combine evidence-based therapies, medical supervision, and holistic approaches tailored to meet every individual’s needs.
From detox to aftercare, we guide our patients through each phase of recovery with care and understanding. Whether you or your loved one is struggling with opiate dependency, our team of qualified professionals is here to help you reclaim control of your life.
Take the first step towards recovery today. Contact Rehab Today by PCP and begin your journey to a healthier, drug-free future.