The United States is currently facing a critical opioid epidemic, as reported by the CDC, highlighting a vital need for accessible opioid addiction treatment. This ongoing crisis affects millions of individuals, families, and communities nationwide, with opioid dependence becoming an increasingly widespread issue. Opioids, including prescription medications like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl, as well as the illicit drug heroin, have a high potential for misuse and addiction. Even when prescribed for legitimate pain management, the risk of dependence and misuse is significant.
In 2023, approximately 8.9 million people aged 12 or older misused opioids. While these numbers are significant, they also highlight the growing national need for accessible resources and effective paths toward opioid addiction recovery. The impact of opioid use extends beyond individuals, as misuse and addiction are major contributors to the growing number of overdose fatalities. In 2023, opioids accounted for 81,083 overdose deaths, with synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, continuing to be a leading cause. The prevalence of fentanyl in the drug market has drastically increased the risks of overdose, especially as it is often mixed with heroin and counterfeit prescription drugs—sometimes without the user’s knowledge, making it harder to predict and manage the risks involved without the support of a dedicated opioid addiction treatment program
What Are Opioids? A Guide to Opioid Addiction Recovery
Opioids is an umbrella term for both natural and synthetic pain-relieving drugs derived from or based on the poppy plant. These drugs are often prescribed by physicians to help relieve acute pain—such as from injuries, surgeries, or toothaches—or to manage chronic pain. However, studies have shown that long-term opioid use for chronic pain can be ineffective and carries a significant risk of addiction, making it crucial for individuals to understand the various opioid addiction treatment options available to them
Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the intensity of pain signals. While they are effective for pain relief, they also increase dopamine activity, which can produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria. These pleasurable effects, combined with the drug’s pain-relieving properties, significantly contribute to their high potential for abuse and dependence.
Some commonly prescribed opioid drugs include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Tramadol
- Fentanyl (Sublimaze, Actiq)
- Methadone
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Oxymorphone
Despite their medical uses, opioids pose significant risks. Even when used as prescribed, long-term opioid use can lead to physical dependence, meaning the body becomes accustomed to the drug, and withdrawal symptoms occur when its use is reduced or stopped. Opioid use disorder (OUD) can develop when someone continues using opioids despite the negative effects on their life. Misuse, including taking someone else’s prescription or using larger amounts than prescribed, increases the risk of developing OUD.
Some opioids, like heroin, are illicit and are not used in medical practice. Fentanyl, while available legally in prescription form, is also produced and sold illegally and is a major contributor to overdose deaths.
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How do opioids affect the brain and why are they so addictive?
Opioids work by targeting specific receptors in the brain, particularly in areas that control pain and pleasure. When opioids enter the bloodstream, they bind to these receptors, triggering a powerful chemical response that causes a release of dopamine. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released in amounts far exceeding what is naturally produced through essential survival activities like eating, drinking, and reproduction. This flood of dopamine creates intense feelings of pleasure or euphoria, reinforcing the desire to repeat the experience. Breaking this cycle typically requires evidence-based opioid addiction treatment to help the brain’s chemistry return to a healthy, natural state.
While dopamine’s role in reinforcing positive behaviors like social bonding or exercise is beneficial in normal circumstances, opioids hijack this system by over-stimulating it. This can lead to opioid addiction, which is characterized by compulsive use despite harmful consequences. Over time, regular opioid use causes the brain to adapt, leading to dependence. When the drug is absent, withdrawal symptoms occur as the body struggles to function without the substance it has become reliant on.
The effects of opioids extend beyond just relief from pain. They can cause drowsiness, relaxation, and slowed breathing, and for many, the rush of euphoria is what initially makes them so rewarding. As opioids dull the perception of pain, they also flood the brain with dopamine, which reinforces the behavior and makes the individual more likely to use the drug again. Over time, higher doses become necessary to achieve the same effects, and the brain’s chemistry shifts so that it functions abnormally without the presence of the drug. This combination of physical dependence and the reinforcement of drug-seeking behavior is what makes opioid addiction so difficult to overcome; however, a commitment to opioid addiction recovery can help the brain’s reward system gradually return to its normal function.
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How is opioid use disorder diagnosed?
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is characterized by a pattern of opioid use that leads to significant impairment in an individual’s life; recognizing these signs is the first step toward finding a reputable opioid addiction treatment center that can offer a path to healing.. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), A diagnosis of OUD is made when an individual meets at least two of the following criteria within a 12-month period. Once a diagnosis is identified, the focus can shift toward developing a personalized plan for opioid addiction recovery.
- Using opioids for a longer duration or in larger amounts than originally intended.
- Struggling to reduce or stop opioid use despite efforts to do so.
- Spending considerable time and energy acquiring, using, or recovering from the effects of opioids.
- Experiencing strong cravings or a powerful urge to use opioids.
- Failing to meet responsibilities at home, work, or school due to opioid use.
- Continuing opioid use despite facing social, interpersonal, or personal challenges that are caused or worsened by the drug.
- Giving up or reducing participation in social, recreational, or work-related activities due to opioid use.
- Using opioids in dangerous or risky situations that could lead to harm.
- Continuing to use opioids even when aware of negative physical or psychological consequences resulting from its use.
- Developing tolerance, where higher amounts of the opioid are needed to achieve the desired effects, or a reduced effect is felt with the same amount.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when reducing the opioid dose or discontinuing use, or using opioids to avoid these withdrawal symptoms.
Recognizing opioid misuse
Opioid misuse goes beyond simply using the drug for its intended purpose. Misuse can include:
- Taking opioids to experience a high
- Using someone else’s prescription opioids
- Taking opioids in doses higher than prescribed
- Using opioids by methods not prescribed (e.g., snorting or injecting)
- Using illicit drugs like heroin or fentanyl
Opioid misuse can lead to opioid use disorder, overdose, and severe health complications, highlighting the urgent need for effective opioid addiction treatment to prevent long-term damage.. Those who inject opioids are at a higher risk of contracting blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, and they may develop health issues related to injection. Sharing needles or other injection equipment increases the likelihood of these risks. Smoking and snorting opioids can also cause damage to the lungs, nasal passages, and other parts of the body. Recognizing these physical signs early can be the catalyst for seeking opioid addiction treatment before more severe health complications or dependency develop. Additionally, opioid use during pregnancy can result in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), where babies are born experiencing withdrawal from the opioids their mothers used during pregnancy.
What are the warning signs of an opioid overdose?
Opioid overdose occurs when an individual consumes a large dose of an opioid, leading to life-threatening respiratory depression. This is when breathing becomes severely slowed or even stops altogether, often resulting in an accidental overdose and, potentially, death. Opioid misuse is also strongly linked to an increased risk of suicide. Recognizing the symptoms of an opioid overdose is crucial for timely intervention. Beyond emergency response, connecting with treatment centers for opioid addiction is the best way to prevent future life-threatening incidents through long-term clinical care.
Signs of an opioid overdose may include:
- Shallow or slowed breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Convulsions or seizures
- Loss of consciousness or coma
- Changes in the nervous system
- Decreased vital signs
- Cold, clammy skin or bluish lips
The strength of opioids can fluctuate greatly, particularly when substances like fentanyl are mixed in to increase potency. This makes opioid use more unpredictable and raises the risk of overdose. Heroin, often laced with fentanyl, is a significant contributor to overdose deaths. According to data from the CPC, approximately 81,083 opioid-related overdose deaths were reported in 2023, with fentanyl being involved in a majority of these cases.
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What is opioid withdrawal?
Opioid withdrawal occurs when the body adjusts to a reduction or cessation of opioid use. If a person attempts to quit suddenly, especially without medical guidance, the symptoms can be overwhelming. In many cases, withdrawal symptoms are so uncomfortable that they prevent individuals from seeking the help they need, which is why professional opioid addiction help is so vital for safely managing the transition to sobriety.
Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Muscle aches, pain, stiffness, spasms, or bone pain
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cold flashes with goosebumps
- Involuntary leg movements
- Agitation
- Anxiety or panic
- Itching
- Irritability
- Rapid heart rate
- Mild hypertension
- Runny nose
- Sweating or shaking
- Flu-like symptoms or fever
- Yawning
- Seizures
- Sleep difficulties
- Fear or paranoia
What causes opioid withdrawal and dependence?
Opioids are effective pain relievers when prescribed and used correctly, often providing significant relief for individuals undergoing surgery or dealing with severe physical pain. However, prolonged use of opioids can lead to tolerance, where the body requires larger doses to achieve the same effects. This increase in dosage can eventually lead to dependence. As tolerance builds, individuals may feel the need to take more of the drug to achieve the desired sensations, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break.
When a person becomes physically dependent on opioids, their body adapts to the constant presence of the drug. If they suddenly stop or reduce their opioid use, withdrawal symptoms occur as the body struggles to function without it. These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and may drive the person to resume using the drug in an attempt to relieve them, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.
Additionally, opioids can be life-threatening if taken in excessive amounts, leading to severe side effects such as extreme drowsiness, nausea, euphoria, and dangerously slow breathing.
Opioid withdrawal timeline
The timeline for opioid withdrawal can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the specific type of opioid used, the severity of the individual’s symptoms, their dose, the duration of use, and how frequently they have been using the drug. The experience of withdrawal can differ from person to person, with symptoms potentially beginning sooner or lasting longer based on these factors.
For heroin and short-acting opioids like morphine, immediate-release oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms generally begin within the first 8 to 12 hours after the last dose. These symptoms typically peak within 1 to 3 days and can continue for up to 7 days. As the drug leaves the system, physical and psychological symptoms may intensify before gradually subsiding.
Short-acting opioids can result in withdrawal symptoms that start within 8 to 24 hours after the last use. The duration of withdrawal symptoms can extend up to 10 days, with intensity varying based on how long and how much the person used.
For long-acting opioids like methadone or extended-release formulations of morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms generally do not appear until 36 hours after the last dose. These symptoms can persist for 14 days or more, often lasting longer due to the drug’s slower release and prolonged effects in the body.
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How is opioid use disorder treated?
Opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment is a comprehensive and individualized process designed to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction. Successful treatment involves several stages, beginning with detox to help individuals safely manage withdrawal symptoms. At a professional opioid addiction treatment center, this is followed by rehabilitation through inpatient care or outpatient opioid addiction treatment, and continued recovery support through aftercare programs.
Detox
Opioid use can lead to physical dependence, even with prescribed medications. Dependence occurs when the body becomes accustomed to the drug, and reducing or stopping its use suddenly triggers withdrawal symptoms. The severity of these symptoms can vary based on factors such as the type of opioid, how long it’s been used, and the dosage.
Although withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, the discomfort it causes can lead to relapse. Medically managed detox at a specialized opioid addiction treatment center is an essential first step to recovery, as it helps individuals safely navigate the physical aspects of withdrawal under 24/7 medical supervision. By starting opioid addiction treatment with a professional detox, patients can significantly reduce the risk of early relapse caused by intense cravings. These medications also help to support individuals as they transition into the next stage of treatment.
Rehabilitation programs
Once detox is complete, the focus shifts to rehabilitation. Choosing a specialized opioid addiction rehab ensures that your treatment includes a combination of behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and ongoing support tailored to your unique needs.
Inpatient treatment
Inpatient care at an opioid addiction treatment center provides 24/7 support in a structured environment, which includes therapy, counseling, psychoeducation, and other necessary services tailored to individual recovery goals. This level of care is ideal for individuals who need intensive supervision during the early stages of recovery.x
Outpatient treatment
Outpatient care through a dedicated opioid addiction treatment center offers more flexibility, allowing individuals to continue with their daily lives while attending structured therapy sessions. This can include partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and regular counseling. Telehealth services are also becoming increasingly available to help people stay connected with their treatment remotely.
Aftercare and continuing care
Aftercare helps individuals maintain their progress following formal treatment programs. Since recovery is a lifelong journey, ongoing opioid addiction treatment through support groups and counseling is vital for maintaining long-term sobriety. Aftercare options may include sober living facilities, ongoing therapy, participation in 12-Step meetings, and peer support groups. These services help prevent relapse by providing continuous support and creating a network of individuals dedicated to sobriety.
Medications for opioid use disorder
Care provided at an opioid addiction treatment center often involves medications that help individuals manage cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of relapse, ensuring a safer transition into sobriety. Medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine with naloxone) and Vivitrol (naltrexone) are commonly used to support opioid addiction recovery by stabilizing the body and allowing the individual to focus on the psychological aspects of healing.
Suboxone helps ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings by stabilizing opioid receptors without producing the high associated with opioid use.
Vivitrol is an extended-release injection of naltrexone, which blocks the effects of opioids and helps prevent relapse by reducing cravings.
For some individuals, methadone is used to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, buprenorphine is often preferred as it is considered a transitional treatment that helps avoid long-term opioid use maintenance.
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Sources
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About the content
Written by: Carli Simmonds. Carli Simmonds holds a Master of Arts in Community Health Psychology from Northeastern University. From a young age, she witnessed the challenges her community faced with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges, inspiring her dedication to the field.
Medical reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, LICSW. Jodi is an experienced, licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Program Director with over 20 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare, demonstrating expertise in substance use disorders, mental health disorders, crisis intervention, training development, and program development. She is a skilled leader in business development with a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Community and Administrative Practice from the University of New Hampshire.
Red Ribbon Recovery is committed to delivering transparent, up-to-date, and medically accurate information. All content is carefully written and reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure clarity and reliability. During the editorial and medical review process, our team fact-checks information using reputable sources. Our goal is to create content that is informative, easy to understand and helpful to our visitors.
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