While a basic understanding of the function of narcotics and their effect on the (normal) brain of a chronic user is simplistic when determining who is likely to abuse opiate medications and why they are in a particularly high risk group for opiate addiction, the truth is, of course, much deeper than that.

Historically, opiate addicts–those who abuse and become dependent on heroin and other other forms of opium including synthetic opiates, such as methadone–have been characterized primarily by their low functionality on the social spectrum. Stimulant addicts; those abusing cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine and other stimulant drugs are the “go-getters” of the addiction spectrum, as a general rule. Therefore, it is important to determine who is likely to become addicted to and dependent on opiates. This information can educate those in the medical field about who are more likely to use and abuse opiate medications.

By and large, there is a certain amount of truth in the theory that “B-type” personalities are those drawn to the opiate family of drugs. There is a certain tendency for opiate addicts to come from certain types of personality and character development patterns. The largest tendency for opiate addicts is those who suffer from disorders stemming from development of social anxieties or having difficulty with relationships, both personal and social. This group also has a low tendency toward regulation of affect, along with little or no development of psychosis. Another group predominantly tending to abuse opiates is those with a low threshold of reality-based cognitions, with impaired views of reality vs. fantasy regarding relationships. The third group is probably the most highly-functional of the three, socially and intellectually. They are somewhat disillusioned about reality ideation, but not psychologically impaired. They are somewhat, mildly depressed as a rule, but not clinically depressed or impaired. Many in this group function with a low energy for many years, with and without opiates.

In today’s trend toward abusing prescription pain killers (synthetic opioids) the latter is probably the most frequently found group. While a certain amount of social functioning is present, due to the high cost of maintaining their addiction and the necessity for obtaining and maintaining numerous prescriptions, they are highest in likelihood of pulling this off. In astonishing numbers, we see them in hospitals, public sector jobs, and other places where drugs are part of the world they inhabit.

Heroin and other opiates are considered “street drugs.” The groups using these substances are more traditionally recognized as the addicts who steal money and goods to pay for their drugs, rather than those who must maintain employment and insurance and who are more functional socially. This group is lower functioning and less likely to be involved in the workplace, unless it is on jobs where they have low productivity and poor attendance records.

Initially, opiates will have beneficial and highly pleasurable effects on the user. Dependence develops quickly because the drugs produce euphoric sensations that lead to more frequent use.. Dependence also develops due to the tolerance to specified amounts of the drug that develop rapidly with use. Because these are the drugs most frequently used for pain management, those with chronic pain symptoms and long-term and chronic pain are highly susceptible to addiction and more likely to go through symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Understanding the nature of those who are likely to become dependent on the drugs is important for monitoring patients on pain medication regimens for early signs of abuse. Figuring out what caused the addiction initially and figuring out other solutions is the first step toward opiate recovery.

Kelly McClanahan has an MSW in clinical social work, with a specialization in substance abuse treatment. Having worked in this field for over 20 years, she is currently working on her certification as an addictions’ counselor.

Methadone is a medication that is used in the treatment of opiate addiction. Methadone is a long-acting opiate that is designed to stay in the system for 24-48 hours, making it possible for addicts to only take the medication once a day, as opposed to a short-acting opiate like heroin, which many addicts use every few hours in order to avoid symptoms of withdrawal. Methadone works very similar to other painkillers such as Vicodin and Oxycontin, and can be prescribed as part of an ongoing pain management regimen, and researchers have found that it’s a very effective form of treatment when used to treat opiate addiction.

When a person is prescribed methadone to treat addiction, the person comes to a methadone clinic once a day to get a dose of methadone that is taken in front of a nurse. Methadone is usually dispensed as a liquid, although also comes in pill and wafer form. Addicts are closely monitored by a doctor to make sure they are not taking too much methadone and that there is no interaction with other medications. Addicts also provide random urine specimens on a regular basis in order to be monitored for illicit drug use. As part of treatment, addicts are also expected to attend individual and group therapy in order to address some of the issues that may have led to initial drug use.

Benefits of Methodone

There are several benefits to using methadone as a way to treat opiate addiction:

• When a person is on the correct dose of methadone, the medication allows them to feel normal, and not “high.” Methadone allows the addict to avoid symptoms of withdrawal while performing activities of daily living such as raising a family and going to work.
• Methadone only has to be taken once a day, as opposed to other opiates that need to be taken several times a day to avoid withdrawal. Addicts do not have to worry about trying to get their next “fix” and, therefore, the amount of crime and illegal activity associated with active drug use drops dramatically.
• Methadone is often times much cheaper for the addict to take, as addicts often times spend hundreds of dollars a day on street drugs.
• Methadone is regulated by the FDA and is, therefore, much safer for the addict to take than street drugs, which can be laced or cut with chemicals or poisons.
• The incidence of contracting or spreading diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV is also reduced, as addicts do not use or share needles to take methadone.
• Finally, methadone that is taken by pregnant women helps to reduce the chance of miscarriage and risky behavior while pregnant, and the fetus will not be going into withdrawal. Women also have a greater chance of seeking out healthcare and seeing an OB regularly if they are able to be on a stable dose of methadone.

Many people that subscribe to an abstinence based model of treatment believe that because methadone is still a drug, people taking methadone are not really clean and sober. When viewed from a risk-reduction model of treatment, methadone can be seen as a medication that helps opiate dependent individuals lead healthier, productive lives.

Jessica Parks is a certified alcohol and drug counselor in the state of Illinois and has her M.A. in art therapy counseling.

What You Need to Know About Opiate Rehab

Addiction to any of the many drugs classified as opiates or opiods is dangerous, and recovery is difficult in most cases. This class of drugs includes everything derived from the opium poppy. Highly illegal substances such as heroin fall into this class, as do medications such as Darvocet, Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, and morphine.

Detoxification is almost always necessary as a prelude to opiod and opiate rehab. Even after the drug has exited your body, there will be a prolonged period of psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Supervised outpatient treatment after a significant period of residential treatment is highly recommended, because the relapse rate for these substances is quite high.

There are several approaches one can choose from for opiod and opiate rehab. One frequently used paradigm includes substituting a synthetic opiod such as methadone. The synthetic drug occupies the same receptors in the brain, and can be addictive in their turn. However, they are considered less dangerous, and therefore a suitable means of weaning the addict off the organic substance.

Methadone treatment is most often used to treat heroin addiction. Many of those who have become addicted to prescription drugs began using them legitimately to relieve pain, so the preferred treatment must include some method of pain management rather than simply substituting one drug for another.

Find a Facility for Opiate Rehab

You can find opiate detox centers by using the “Heroin/Oxycontin Treatment” filter under “Programs by Drug” or by clicking “Detox Centers” under “Treatment Phases.” If you are interested in methadone treatment, you will find methadone clinics under “Special Focus Programs.” Holistic approaches, including self-hypnosis and biofeedback, are especially useful for those addicted to painkillers.

Opiod and Opiate Detox

Opiods and opiates are chemicals that affect the body by binding to the opiod receptors in the central nervous system. The most commonly used opiates, which are naturally occurring alkaloids of the opium poppy, are morphine and codeine. Semi-synthetic opiods include heroin and oxycodone (also known by the brand name OxyContin). Methadone, used as a substitute for heroin, is a fully synthetic opiod. Percodan, Percocet, Darvocet, Dilaudid and Vicodin are also considered to be opiates.

Opiod and opiates are chemically similar to naturally occurring endorphins, the “feel good” substance the body produces. These substances may be prescribed medications for pain management, or they may be abused as street drugs. In either scenario, dependence develops quickly and withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Acute withdrawal symptoms can include pain, vomiting, diarrhea and panic attacks. Once the acute symptoms have passed, there may be a period of depression and anxiety that can last for months.

Overdose is a major issue with any opiod or opiate. Since street drugs are often cut, it is impossible to know what dosage you might be taking. That means there is no such thing as a safe dose, especially once you have developed a tolerance that leads to larger dosage.

Where to Find an Opiate Detox Program

While there may be some addictive substances that can be kicked “cold turkey,” opiates are not among them. The withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that a medically supervised opiate detox program is really a necessity. There are several approaches to opiate detox, including those that substitute methadone or other synthetics as a means of weaning the addict off the organic substance.

You can find opiate detox centers by using the “Heroin/OxyContin Treatment” filter under “Programs by Drug” or by clicking “Detox Centers” under “Treatment Phases.” If you are interested in methadone treatment, you will find methadone clinics under “Special Focus Programs.”

Opiate Rehab Help

Opiates are drugs derived from opium plants.  These drugs are used in pain treatment.  Examples of these drugs are morphine, codeine, Vicodin, Percocet, and Oxycontin. These drugs can relieve pain as well as create a euphoric feeling.  These drugs are heavily prescribed and relatively accessible.  Combine the euphoria and the easy access and it is very common to be addicted to these drugs. Opiate rehab may be the best choice for you.

Get Opiate Rehab Assistance

Long term addiction to opiates will cause damage to the body and mind.  Body damage can be due to the body processing the active ingredients.  This could include liver and kidney damage.  Also, taking too much slows the respiratory system which reduces the amount of oxygen to the brain.  It is very important to seek help in the opiate rehab process.

To assist in recovery check out SoberRecovery.com to find tools to use for opiate addiction recovery.  On this site you will find resources to start the journey of sobriety.

Opiates nunbs the senses.  They are used to dull pain but has a side effect of dulling emotions.  It helps people become numb to the bad times.  This makes opiate rehab difficult.  During the detox process, it’s difficult to get through because of how people feel once they start having withdrawals from the drugs.  Relapse with opiate abuse is very common. You can avoid falling back into bad habits by using the tools of recovery that are given to you in rehab and continue your journey of moving forward towards sobriety.