OPIOID ADDICTION

UNDERSTANDING OPIOID DRUG ABUSE

Addiction is the psychological and behavioral impulses characterized by cravings, compulsion, and the inability to stop using despite negative consequences.

Substance addictions include alcohol, tobacco, opioids (painkillers or heroin), prescription drugs (such as anti-anxiety medications or sleeping pills), marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, and other substances. Each addiction has a different set of symptoms and effects on the body and each addiction has different options for treatment.

Signs of addiction include:

  • Taking a substance more often and in higher quantities than intended
  • A desire to reduce use without success
  • Significant time used to acquire, use and recover from a substance
  • Feeling increased cravings for the substance
  • Reduced performance at work, home or school
  • Poor relationships with family, friends, and within social circles due to continued use
  • Engaging in risky behaviors that put oneself or others in danger
  • Inclination to criminal activity
  • Developing tolerance, requiring greater usage to achieve the same effect
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after reducing use (physical symptoms vary based on substance used)

Identify the disease of  addiction first, then determine whether the addiction is to opioids or another substance in order to seek professional help from a qualified addiction treatment providers. CHM Treatment Center is specialized in the treatment and recovery to opioids (heroin or painkillers) as the primary addiction. If a patient is also addicted  to other substances, CHM can help the patient find the appropriate continuum of  care with specialists for other addictions as well as part of the full treatment  program. It  is important to understand that addiction is no longer a voluntary response on  behalf of the individual. 

Addiction is a disease that has changed the entire  structure and functioning of the central nervous system, affecting a  person’s judgment, decision-making, reaction to stress, memory, ability to learn  and behavioral control. Individuals needing help should have the  support, patience and understanding of those that care about them and should be  encouraged to seek help from a specialist from our substance abuse counselors. Similar to interacting with individuals who have other diseases, compassion, encouragement and positivity are a source of motivation to get treatment, and help to keep perusing relief from addiction with help from our mental health counselors.

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