We have programs that provide relief from the side effects and symptoms of SUDs involving opiates. Our facilities have 24/7 medical supervision and evidence-based therapeutic modalities capable of stabilizing your mental and physical health. You can heal from opiate use disorder (OUD) and achieve long-term sobriety with the help of our compassionate team of clinicians. No matter where you are in your recovery, we are here to guide and support you through the next step of your journey.
What Is Opiate Addiction?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “opioid addiction often comes after the person has developed opioid tolerance and dependence, making it physically challenging to stop opioid use and increasing the risk of withdrawal.” Doctors use opiates for pain management and legitimate medical procedures. However, the highly addictive nature of these substances makes it challenging to balance pain relief and the possible danger of addiction. Addiction or substance use disorder usually follows increased tolerance and dependence.
Opiate misuse does not look the same for everyone, and you may develop a dependence on opiates without becoming addicted to them. According to research published in Anesthesia and Analgesia, some of the risk factors for developing OUD include:
- Genetics
- Age
- Family history of opioid abuse or mental health disorders
- Current or past opioid abuse
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Social and family environment
- The use of prescription drugs like Methadone
Opioids Include Natural Opiates
Many people use the terms opiate and opioid interchangeably, but they are not the same. Opiates refer specifically to natural opioids like codeine and morphine. Opioids, on the other hand, include all substances that interact with opioid receptors in the brain and body, including natural opiates and semi-synthetic or synthetic opioids. Most research and medical information that talks about opioids include natural opiates without differentiating between them.
According to the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPA) of the State of Oregon, “opiates are chemical compounds that are extracted or refined from natural plant matter (poppy sap and fibers).” Some examples of opiates include:
- Opium
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Heroin