After a surgery or an injury, aspirin and ibuprofen may not be able to relieve moderate to severe pain. Doctors often prescribe painkillers, such as opiates or opioids, to patients requiring a higher level of pain relief. Unfortunately, these medications are highly addictive and can lead to prescription drug addiction. Recognizing the signs of opiate addiction will help you know if you or someone you love may need help from an opiate detox center.
When you need help recovering from opiate addiction in the Houston area, you can rely on Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. Our opiate detox center program combines medication and support with behavioral and holistic therapies for an evidence-based, comprehensive approach to addiction recovery. To learn more about how we can help you move on from prescription drug addiction, call us today at 866.516.8356.
What Are Opiates?
Although the terms opiates and opioids are frequently used interchangeably, they are not precisely the same. The main difference between these two types of drugs lies in their origins:
Opiates
Opiates are naturally derived from the poppy plant. Some commonly used opiates are:
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Opium
Opioids
Opioids are synthetic or partially synthetic, typically made in labs. Some commonly used opioids are:
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
Although opiates and opioids are created differently, they perform the same functions. Both types of drugs are prescribed to relieve pain and coughing. They also impart euphoric feelings, making them desirable for recreational use. People who misuse opiates and opioids can easily become dependent on these drugs, whether or not they have a doctor’s prescription.
What Are the Signs of Opiate Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction can happen to anyone, even if you carefully follow your doctor’s orders. It is essential to know the signs of opiate addiction so you can address the problem before it worsens. Some of the most common signs of opiate addiction include the following:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea and vomiting
If you are experiencing symptoms of opiate addiction, talk to your doctor right away. They may be able to help you safely taper off your dose of opiates to minimize withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, especially if your addiction is moderate to severe, you may need to enroll in treatment at an opiate detox center. The staff at these treatment centers have more specialized knowledge in helping clients overcome opiate addiction.
Prescription Drug Addiction and Withdrawal
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug is one sure sign of opiate addiction. These symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on how long you have been using opiates and how high of a dose you use. Some withdrawal symptoms overlap with the signs of opiate addiction listed above. Additionally, you may experience:
- Coma
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Goosebumps and chills
- Powerful cravings
- Seizures
- Stomach cramps
- Suicidal thoughts
For some people, the discomfort of opiate withdrawal is too intense, leading them to relapse. Enrolling in treatment at an opiate detox center can increase your chances of getting through withdrawal and moving on toward a healthy recovery. Detox professionals will provide you with medication, support, and various therapies to help you feel more comfortable and confident as you recover.
Break Free from Addiction with Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
If you have just learned that you are addicted to your prescription opiates, you may feel embarrassed or ashamed. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand that prescription drug addiction can happen to anyone, and we provide treatment without judgment. You will work together with our caring staff to heal from addiction and get back to living a life you love. Reach out to us today at 866.516.8356 to start taking your life back from opiate addiction.
