Addiction is a worldwide problem that impacts millions of different people, families, and communities. Opioid abuse is a particular problem in the U.S. that has developed to the point where a drug epidemic has ensued. In 2019, 70% of the 70,630 deaths in the U.S. involved an opioid. The number of drug overdose deaths also quadrupled from 1999 to 2019.1 Addiction is a chronic disease and, like diabetes or heart disease, doesn’t have a cure. However, it can be treated and managed with the right kind of help. If you or a loved one is battling an addiction to prescription or illegal opiates, our opiate rehab in Pennsylvania can help.
Signs of Opioid Addiction
Opioids are a class of drugs that includes both prescription painkillers and illegal drugs like heroin and krokodil (desomorphine). Though opioids can be prescribed by a medical professional to treat pain, their misuse can lead to dependency and addiction, otherwise known as an opioid use disorder. Therefore, anyone prescribed an opioid should only take it as directed by a doctor.
Opioid use disorder is a medical condition marked by the inability to abstain from using opioids and addictive behaviors centered around opioid use that interferes with daily life. Being physically dependent on an opioid can occur when a person increases their use of the drug as a result of tolerance. Tolerance occurs when a dose of a drug no longer produces the same effects, which often causes the individual to take higher doses without direction from their doctor.
This can lead to physical dependence, a condition that’s marked by withdrawal symptoms like craving and sweating. When a person is physically dependent on opioids, it can be difficult to stop taking them. That dependence can also interfere with the person’s responsibilities, such as working and caring for their family.
A person with an opioid use disorder may not immediately display any signs. However, as their drug use worsens, their problem may become more evident. Below are some common signs of opioid addiction, which include:
- Changes in exercise habits
- Changes in sleep habits
- Cravings for opioids
- Decreased libido
- Drowsiness
- Financial difficulties
- Frequent flu-like symptoms
- In and out of consciousness
- Isolation from family or friends
- Lack of hygiene
- Poor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Stealing from family, friends, or businesses
- The inability to control opioid use
- Weight loss
When addressing addiction to prescription narcotics or illegal drugs like heroin, going to an opiate treatment center is the safest route. Opiate addiction treatment centers like our drug rehab in Pennsylvania first address addiction by treating withdrawal, which is the first and arguably the most challenging stage of recovery.
People who attempt to overcome withdrawals without the help of a professional opiate rehab increase their risk of experiencing complications like life-threatening dehydration as well as relapse. Therefore, if you recognize any symptoms of opioid abuse in yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to reach out to us today.
Opioid Treatment Center in Pennsylvania
Usually, the first step in treating opioid addiction is our medically assisted detox in PA. It’s common for people with opioid use disorders to experience withdrawals when they suddenly stop using these drugs. Common symptoms of opioid withdrawal include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sweating, and vomiting.
The duration and severity of opiate withdrawals are dependent on several factors, including the type of opioid being abused, the person’s tolerance to the drug, the length of their addiction, and whether they used other drugs. Withdrawal symptoms can cause significant physical and psychological distress, which is why opioid detox is crucial at our opiate addiction treatment center.
These symptoms are often intense enough that the individual may resort to using opioids again to avoid them. At-home detox can also be dangerous, especially due to dehydration. Therefore, it’s recommended to seek professional help at an opiate rehab that offers medical support.
Clients in our inpatient rehab programs in Pennsylvania transition to psychotherapy and counseling sessions after detox. This next step allows them to work one-on-one and in groups with counselors and therapists at our facility that can introduce healthy habits and relapse prevention strategies. Our goal is not only to help clients recover from the physical impact of drugs but also to establish a healthier and sober lifestyle they can sustain after rehab.
For more information about our treatment of opioid use disorder or other forms of addiction treatment in Pennsylvania, contact Clearbrook today.
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