Opiate addiction,symptoms,Rehab treatment,causes and withdrawals.

Opiate Addiction.The abuse of and addiction to opioids such as heroin, morphine, and prescription pain relievers is a serious global problem that affects the health, social, and economic welfare of all societies.  It is estimated that between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide, with an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States suffering from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers in 2012 and an estimated 467,000 addicted to heroin.   The consequences of this abuse have been devastating and are on the rise.  For example, the number of unintentional overdose deaths from prescription pain relievers has soared in the United States, more than quadrupling since 1999.  There is also growing evidence to

suggest a relationship between increased non-medical use of opioid analgesics and heroin abuse in the United States.   

Opiates are powerful painkillers that can lead to euphoric states followed by deep sedation. The terms opiate addiction and opiate dependence are often used interchangeably but there are some differences between the two. Here’s how you can tell the different between opiate dependence and opiate addiction:

• Opiate dependence – a state of adaptation to a drug that is manifested by specific withdrawal symptoms that result when the drug is not used. Rapid reduction, complete elimination or even reduced use of opiates when dependence is a factor will lead to withdrawal.
• Opiate Addiction – addiction is a chronic, neurological disease that results from the use of opiates and leads to psychological, environmental, and physical factors that are characterized by an impaired control over the drug, impaired behavior revolving around the use of the drug or a craving for the drug despite known consequences of drug use.

Initially, opiate dependence is what comes first and as this dependence grows and a physical need for the drug is developed, withdrawal symptoms persist causing the patient to use more and more of the drug. Over time, opiate addiction is the resulting factor.

Opiate Addiction Symptoms

Many of the signs and symptoms of opiate addiction can be difficult to spot because you can’t see some of the obvious signs right away. Often time, the user will mask the signs of their addiction in a way that will prevent others from gaining insight too.

The common signs of opiate addiction that you should pay attention to include:

• Track marks or needle marks – these come from shooting heroin or other opiates intravenously
• Lethargic or heavy limbs –heroin and other opiates can make the limbs seem heavy and long
• Wearing long sleeves – many users will wear pants or long sleeves to cover up their needle marks
• Hanging out with different groups – many opiate users will choose other groups to hang around that also do drugs rather than spend time with their previous friends who did not use opiates
  
  
• Borrowing money without explanation – many users will borrow excessive amounts of money without any explanation why
• Lack of appearances – many opiate users will lack on their appearance and not take care of themselves
• Excessive sleeping – opiates will often cause drowsiness that can lead to excessive sleeping
• Weight gain – because opiates lead to fatigue many people who become addicted will gain weight
• Weight loss – because of the excessive sleep and lack of self-help, many opiate addiction will lose weight

Treatment for Opiate Addiction

Many methods of treatment exist to help those suffering from opiate addiction. The most common methods of treatment include detox, medication replacement therapy, counseling and therapy, as well as support groups. Opiate addiction often requires residential care or inpatient therapy but in less severe cases, outpatient therapy and support groups can provide a beneficial means of treatment for the addiction.

• Residential Opiate Treatment – this type of opiate addiction treatment takes place in a hospital like setting where the patient will live for a period of about 30 days or more depending on the severity of their addiction and various other factors. Residential treatment is most suitable for those who have severe opiate addictions and who cannot complete treatment on their own without constant medical and counseling supervision.
• Inpatient Opiate Treatment – just like residential treatment, inpatient treatment facilities have a hospital or home like setting that is heavily monitored to ensure the successful recovery of the patient in a safe environment. Inpatient treatment for opiate addiction is ideal for the recovering addict who requires medical intervention and care to ensure their safety and to keep them from relapsing.

• Outpatient Opiate Treatment – this type of treatment for opiate addiction involves counseling and therapy that is provided on daily, weekly or monthly basis and can help the recovering addict to stay on track with their recovery goals while they continue to work on their treatment and recovery outside of the facility as well.
• Opiate Support Groups – many support groups can be found within the various levels of treatment for opiate addiction as well as within the community. Some of the more common support groups that have been found to help those who suffer from opiate addiction include Narcotics Anonymous and Opiates Anonymous. While you may find it difficult to find an Opiates Anonymous group in your area, there are typically hundreds of Narcotics Anonymous groups in each state offering support to those who are ready to quit.

Thanks to Addictions and https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/legislative-activities/testimony-to-congress/2016/americas-addiction-to-opioids-heroin-prescription-drug-abuse