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What is Opioid Addiction?
Opioids are a classification of drugs derived from the opium poppy plant. Taking them includes an elevated risk of developing an addiction. A recent report shows that three million people in the country have an opioid use disorder. Some people develop an addiction while taking prescription opioids they use to treat pain and other conditions. Other people use illegally obtained opioids, often recreationally, and go on to become addicted.
Opioids act by binding to a person’s brain in order to block pain signals and create a sense of pleasure. This can impede the body’s ability to naturally produce chemicals like dopamine. As a result, the individual begins to rely on opioids for a sense of happiness or pleasure. Once they develop a substance use disorder, they will require professional addiction treatment to stop abusing opioids.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
It can be difficult to recognize when someone has developed an opioid addiction. While signs and symptoms vary per person, common ones to look out for include:
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss
- Taking more than the recommended dosage of prescription drugs
- Using prescription drugs that don’t belong to the person
- Using illegal opioids
- Flu-like symptoms
- Isolating
- Difficulty at work or school
- Relationships negatively impacted by drug use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using opioids
- Developing a tolerance and increasing the amount taken
- Trying to stop using drugs but being unable to do so
- Experiencing mood swings, irritability, depression, and other emotional symptoms
How Long Does Opioid Rehab in Atlanta Last?
How long opioid rehab in Atlanta lasts depends on a few factors. First is how long the addiction has been going on and what average dosage of opioids the person took. As well, as what sort of opioids were abused factors in. On average, rehab treatment will last at least two months. The longer a person stays in rehab programs, the more likely they are to avoid relapsing.
Opioid Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone goes through detox from opioid addiction, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. They can range from mild to severe, and some can be dangerous. This makes it important that no one tries to detox on their own. Professional medical supervision allows the person to receive valuable support that helps reduce and eliminate many withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms that may occur include:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Shakiness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Seizures
Many people also experience emotional and psychological withdrawal symptoms. These include moodiness, anxiety, depression, and hallucinations.
Find Effective Opioid Rehab in Atlanta Now
Have you had enough of opioid abuse controlling your life and feel ready to get help? Inner Voyage Recovery Center offers an opioid rehab Atlanta that allows you to live at home while attending highly effective addiction treatment sessions during the day. We match you to the level of care you need and help you decide on treatment goals and meet them.
Do you want to get started on improving your health and leaving addiction behind you? Visit our admissions page now to find out how.
