If you think the only people who need opioid addiction treatment use illegal drugs, think again. This type of substance abuse can also happen to someone taking medication exactly as his or her doctor prescribed. Depending on the drug, tolerance can quickly build. Whether a person purposely abuses opioids or becomes dependent on a prescription medication, getting treatment before it’s too late is important.
What Are Opioids For?
In many cases, doctors prescribe opioid medication for pain management. People may take this medicine after surgery, invasive dental work, or to deal with an injury. Physicians typically prescribe opioids for short-term use due to their addictive nature. But even in the short term, some people quickly become develop a dependency.
The types of medication that fall into the opioid category include codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Illegal substances include heroin.
Abuse happens when a person doesn’t take the medication as his or her doctor directs. This includes taking more medicine than he or she should or using it more often than necessary. Drug abuse is also defined as using illegal substances, so taking any amount of heroin is abusing it.
Do You Need Opioid Addiction Treatment?
Dependency can be sneaky. Maybe you had surgery and began taking medication to manage the pain afterward. Within a few weeks, you found yourself enjoying the euphoria the medicine produced. You started taking higher doses, and then your tolerance increased. Now, it’s difficult for you to get through the day without your medication, although you’re no longer feeling post-surgery pain.
Perhaps a loved one has developed a dependency on heroin. At first, you tried to tell yourself it wasn’t serious. He didn’t use every day, or he was able to continue working. He couldn’t be an addict, right?
When does use become an addiction? Signs of opioid dependence include:
- Confusion
- Euphoria
- Erratic moods
- Coordination problems
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Shallow breathing
It doesn’t matter if a person abuses prescription medication or illegal drugs. The outcome can be the same.
Gradually, the dependency takes over your life. You may begin doctor shopping if your original physician will no longer prescribe the medication for you. Relationships with loved ones start to deteriorate because you become defensive if someone mentions your use.
Facts about addiction show how difficult it can be to admit there’s a problem. They also detail how serious the consequences are.
Don’t let the problem get worse. Opioid addiction treatment can help you overcome your dependency before you suffer job loss, family breakups, and severe health issues.
A Luxury Rehab Treatment for You
Whether it’s alcohol or opioid addiction treatment you need, The Dunes of East Hampton can help. Our immaculate environment offers the amenities and service you’re used to, such as delicious meals prepared by an on-staff chef, housekeeping, and luxury accommodations.
We’re a luxury treatment center that caters to residents who want a private, exclusive rehab experience, which includes:
- Holistic recovery
- Clinical services
- Executive accommodations
- Equine therapy
- Exclusive legal services
Our medical professionals and staff will treat you with compassion and understanding during your stay. We’ll personalize a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. We partner with addiction specialist, Dr. Howard Shaffer of Harvard Medical School, because we believe in providing only the best care to our residents.
Drug or alcohol dependency doesn’t have to control you any longer. We’ll be your advocates in recovery, so contact us at 877-818-5539 today. Our admissions team is ready to take your call 24/7.