About Our Services
Steps Recovery Center recognizes how vital the mind, body, and spirit are in their connection to the whole person. We take a holistic approach to treating oxycodone addiction that includes treating the whole person, and find that it tends to be more successful, especially since oxycodone addiction can affect every aspect of a person’s life. With a customized and individualized program, a holistic approach just makes sense. It affords an opportunity to meet the patient’s physical and psychological needs and allows them to engage physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Information on Opiates
Opiates are controlled prescription substances that come from opium, which is a natural chemical found in plants and poppy seeds. Doctors prescribe these drugs to treat mild to severe pain in patients, and they’re also known as opioid painkillers. Due to their relaxing effects, some patients abuse opiates, which can result in addiction.
A person typically develops an addiction to painkillers after a doctor prescribes them following an accident or injury. Patients receive a prescription with a specified dose from their doctor, with no intention of abusing the medication. However, they may develop an increased tolerance of painkillers, meaning the drug is no longer as effective in small doses.
A higher tolerance can cause a patient to take larger doses than their recommended amount to achieve the calming effect they crave. Increasing the dosage can lead to drug dependence, whereby an individual must continue taking the substance to feel normal.
If a person’s drug-seeking behavior spirals out of control and begins to impact their mental and physical health, they may have an addiction. Addiction is more severe than a strong desire to use drugs because it’s a neurological disease that can feel inescapable.
Opiates vs. Opioids
Many people use the terms “opiate” and “opioid” interchangeably because both substances produce similar effects.
Opiates: These substances contain active ingredients that are naturally derived from opium. Common opiates include codeine and morphine, which are both from the opium found in poppy plants.
Opioids: These substances are synthetically produced, and they mimic the natural effects of opium. Some opioids are entirely synthetic, whereas others are semi-synthetic, meaning they contain natural opium.
It doesn’t matter if a drug came from a natural source or if someone chemically produced it. Frequent use of both opiates and opioids carries an equal potential for abuse and dependency. Both drugs work by activating a person’s Mu receptors in their brain, which depresses their central nervous system.
When these receptors activate due to drug use, they release endorphins, which is a feel-good chemical.
Opiate Addiction Symptoms
Opiates are accessible because they’re relatively cheap. Although they can make a person feel calm, they can also cause the following side
effects:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Respiratory depression (slow breathing)
These symptoms can lead to short and long-term psychological and neurological effects, such as permanent brain damage, coma, or death.
Opiate withdrawal can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sleep problems
- Bone and muscle pain
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Cold flashes
- Uncontrollable leg shakes
- Intense cravings
Opiate Addiction Treatment
Successful opiate addiction treatment typically involves supervised detoxification to maximize safety during the withdrawal period; furthermore, it reduces the risk of relapse. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a combination of medication and counseling that can help a person manage their withdrawal symptoms. Counseling sessions can help a patient discuss the root of their substance abuse. Some people turn to an inpatient treatment center and seek behavioral therapy to help them adjust their attitude regarding drug use.
Get Started Today
Find a treatment center near you and get started on the path toward recovery.