Over the past few years, opioid addiction has caused quite a stir across the country. While being worried or preoccupied by this public health crisis is perfectly understandable, demystifying opioid addiction can help us understand it better. Doing so may even save lives! Read on to learn about a few myths and truths.
1
These are two very distinct things.
Opioid tolerance happens when you take a narcotic on a regular basis and have grown used to its benefits. This kind of tolerance is not all bad, as it may reduce certain side effects, such as nausea or dizziness. However, people who develop a tolerance to opioids can be tempted to increase their dose to get the same pain relief as when they first started taking the substance.
In some cases, taking opioids may result in a physical addiction. This is normal and even expected. For this reason, you may need to reduce your dosage gradually to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the medication.
A different phenomenon occurs when the euphoric effect (more commonly known as the high) leads the user to abuse the substance. This psychological addiction is just as likely to occur whether a person uses prescription or black-market opiates. It creates uncontrollable urges to use the drug, which leads to the risk of potentially fatal overdoses. The amount of time it takes to develop an opioid addiction varies greatly from one person to the next.
2
The likelihood of developing an addiction to opioids or any other substance varies greatly from person to person. Several factors can influence this addiction, including the following:
Think you might be at risk of developing an addiction? Consult a health care professional!
3
People who use opiates may adopt certain behaviours that can help assess their level of addiction. Therefore, it's important to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for these signs. Doing so makes it easier to identify and prevent potential problems related to addiction.
Here are a few potential signs that someone you know is struggling with an opioid addiction:
If you or someone you know is exhibiting one or more of the signs listed above, don't hesitate to get help.
4
Anyone who uses narcotics is at risk of developing an addiction. Fortunately, there is treatment available to help people who can't stop on their own. This treatment is made up of three stages.
Medication
A doctor may prescribe medications such as methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone to prevent withdrawal symptoms and help reduce uncontrollable urges to use opioids. When these medications are prescribed by a doctor and used properly, they are safe and effective. They also relieve pain without causing euphoria.
Psychosocial interventions for substance use disorders
People struggling with a narcotic addiction need someone to talk to along with empathy, support, and guidance to get through it. Psychosocial counselling often helps them better understand their addiction issue and stop using opioids on a daily basis.
Support groups
Finally, support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous allow people in need to share their experience in a judgment-free environment with people who are going through something similar. These resources allow them to feel heard and provide a source of comfort and inspiration that helps them change their lives.
Many opiate users worry that they may develop a psychological addiction. While this fear is legitimate, keep in mind that the risk of developing an addiction remains low and that there are a number of resources available to help you should you need them.
Visit your local Brunet pharmacy and talk to one of our pharmacists. They'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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