It is estimated that over two million Americans suffer from opioid addiction. This can be a difficult problem to overcome, especially if a person does not know what opioids are or how they are abused. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to prescription drugs, it is important to understand the basics of the drugs and the potential consequences of taking them. Learning about commonly abused opioids and prescription drug abuse can give you a better understanding of your addiction and help you find the best treatment option for yourself or your loved one.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioids or prescription drug abuse, Zelus Recovery offers opioid addiction treatment in Idaho. Call us at 208.518.0797 today to learn about the dangers of commonly abused opioids and how we can help you overcome addiction.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs typically used for pain relief. They work by attaching to certain receptors in the brain and blocking pain signals from being sent throughout the body. Opioids are often prescribed by doctors to manage pain following a surgery or injury. They can also be prescribed for chronic pain if other treatment options have failed; however, they can become addictive when misused.
How Are Opioids Abused?
There are several ways that opioids can be abused, including:
- Taking more pills than prescribed or taking someone else’s prescription medications without a doctor’s approval
- Crushing pills so they can be snorted or injected
- Taking pills orally in combination with alcohol or other substances
- Taking pills longer than recommended.
Unfortunately, these methods of abuse can lead to serious health complications such as overdose, organ failure, coma, and even death.
Commonly Abused Opioids
There are several opioids that are regularly prescribed and, in turn, abused. Examples of commonly prescribed opioids include:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin) – Often prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain
- Morphine – Prescribed for chronic pain or after surgery
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) – Used for short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain
- Codeine – Also used for mild to moderate pain, as well as a cough suppressant
- Fentanyl – Strongest opioid available, prescribed for severe pain
While these drugs can be effective at managing chronic pain symptoms, they also carry a high risk for misuse and abuse due to their addictive qualities. Other opioids abused include heroin and tramadol, both of which are illegal. While prescription opioids may be prescribed by a doctor, they can lead to addiction if they are misused or abused.
Why Seek Help for Prescription Drug Abuse?
It is important to seek help from an addiction treatment center like Zelus Recovery in Idaho if you or someone you love is suffering from prescription drug abuse. Professional treatment centers specialize in providing evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy that can help individuals overcome their addictions and lead healthier lives. Additionally, treatment centers provide support groups where individuals can connect with others who have experienced similar struggles with substance abuse. These connections often prove invaluable when it comes to recovering from opioid addiction because they provide much-needed emotional support during recovery.
Recover From Your Opioid Addiction at Zelus Recover
Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic in the United States, but understanding commonly abused opioids is key to helping those who suffer from addiction get on the road to recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid abuse, seeking professional help at Zelus Recovery in Idaho could be life-saving—not just for yourself but also for your family members, who want nothing more than for you to get better and lead a healthy lifestyle free from substance abuse. Don’t wait another day. Reach out for help today by calling us at 208.518.0797 or by filling out our secure online form.
