Pain-relieving drugs called opioids are highly effective in situations of chronic or severe pain. Yet, these drugs are highly addictive, significantly when misused. Whenever possible, it’s best to avoid using them. Doctors may prescribe them after an illness, surgical procedure, or accident to aid in pain relief temporarily. If that occurs, it’s essential to recognize the risks and work towards preventing overuse and addiction. At Red Oak Recovery, we help those with addiction who are ready to stop using drugs. Please contact our team today at 828.382.9699 to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment programs.
What Are Drugs Associated with Opioid Addiction?
Any type of opioid can be addictive. It is more common for a person to develop an addiction if they misuse them or use illicit forms of opioids. Some of the highest risk opioids for addiction include the following:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet)
- Morphine (Kadian and Avinza)
- Oxymorphone (Opana)
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
Each of these medications has the potential for addiction.
Why Do People Develop an Opioid Addiction?
Prescription opioids come from the opium poppy plant, while some forms of opioids come from a lab. In all cases, these medications work to relax the body and control pain levels. As pain-relieving drugs, they can be beneficial, and they tend to work well for most people.
However, opioids can also help a person to feel relaxed and create a high. This is one of the key reasons people abuse these drugs. Abuse of these drugs can also lead to changes in the way the brain communicates. Over time, this high can become so crucial that the brain engages in drug-seeking behavior to feel it repeatedly, which is dependence. When that happens, a person may have a hard time no longer using the drug.
How to Prevent Opioid Addiction
While it is essential to avoid using opioids when possible, that’s not a realistic outcome for many situations. Specifically, when severe pain is occurring, opioids are one of the most effective solutions available. Yet, there are a few steps anyone can take to reduce the risk of developing an addiction:
- Take only the recommended dose written on the prescription.
- Use these drugs only when necessary, when pain is present, and talk to your doctor about using the drugs just when needed rather than around-the-clock.
- Use the drugs for the shortest amount possible. This period will depend on your condition but aim for the least amount of time possible.
- Be receptive to other pain control methods, such as hot and cold compresses, music, and light therapy.
- Never use a prescription drug written for another person. This action carries a high risk of addiction.
With opioid use, you may begin to start thinking about the drug more frequently or even crave it before you should take your next dose. If this begins to happen, it’s a sign of addiction. Talk to your doctor immediately about this situation.
Call Red Oak Recovery for Help
If you believe you may be struggling with addiction or dependence, it is essential to work closely with your doctor to control pain in another way. However, it is also critical to get help for the addiction. That’s where we can help you with a range of treatment programs such as:
- Addiction therapy services
- Clinical rehab services
- Men’s rehab center
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- 12 step addiction recovery
Opioid addiction is not a battle you have to fight on your own. If you are using opioids and feel at risk for addiction or you know that’s occurring, reach out to Red Oak Recovery today. Our dedicated team of professionals can help you to avoid the risks of opioid addiction and overdose. Call 828.382.9699 or connect with our team online now.
