Opiate Addiction in Green Bay

What Are Opiates

Opiates are powerful drugs derived from the poppy, a plant with remarkable duality. Potent, useful medications such as morphine come from the poppy, but so do dangerous and illicit substances like heroin; this can lead quickly to opiate addiction. Opiates are most commonly prescribed for post-surgery or chronic pain; however, these substances can prove highly addictive. Some opiates include codeine, vicodin, oxycontin, and fentanyl.

Effects of Opiate Abuse

Opiate abuse and opiate addiction can occur with as few as one or two uses of the potent substances. Someone with an opiate addiction may present signs such as decreased breathing rates, depression, fatigue, loss of motivation, weight loss, headaches, joint and muscle pain, nausea, and flu-like withdraw symptoms.

Craving

Opiates cause people to experience intense cravings for the drug and its effects. Many people will perform behaviors they would not normally do to obtain the drug and feed their cravings

Loss of Control

The cravings and withdrawal symptoms a person experiences due to opiate addiction can quickly cause them to lose control of their moods, behavior, and even their lives. Someone with a severe addiction will do whatever it takes to get their fix, regardless if it compromises their morals and values.

Physical Dependence

Opiates cause an intense physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can begin to occur between four and six hours after the last use. Factors such as the length of time taking the drug, dosage, and method of use all impact the nature of the physical dependence.

Tolerance

Heavy opiate use is characterized by the development of tolerance. When a person becomes tolerant of the drug, they require more to get the same effects.

Health Effects

Opiates can lead to a wide array of health effects. While they are designed to reduce pain, their continued use can lead to respiratory problems, decreased heart rate, slurred speech, impaired coordination, vomiting, and loss of concentration. Addiction to opiates can also lead to health problems such as infertility, constipation, depression, mental impairment, and withdrawal symptoms. In addition, people who inject opiates, especially due to heroin addiction, are at increased risk for HIV, hepatitis, collapsed veins, and heart or lung infections.

Withdrawal

Addiction goes hand in hand with withdrawal symptoms, which can occur within hours after a prior opiate use. Opiate addiction withdrawal symptoms typically include insomnia, anxiety, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, and hot and cold sweats. Drug rehab is often the ideal place for obtaining help with withdrawal symptoms for addiction to opiates.

Statistics of Use in Green Bay

In 2012, there were nearly 500 deaths due to heroin addiction and overdose alone. Use of opiates, both illicit and prescribed, in Green Bay is increasing. Opiate drug addiction can quickly turn from recreational use to a life threatening habit. Rehab in a residential treatment center is often the only viable way to obtain addiction help.

Dependence Assessment

Upon seeking opiate addiction treatment, addiction specialists will assess each patient's level of dependence to determine an ideal course of action. Opiate detox and a customized addiction recovery plan are needed for patients who experience this form of addiction.

Developing an addiction to opiates is a dangerous battle, a battle that should not be fought alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with opiate addiction, call Drug Treatment Centers Green Bay today at 920-227-1500 and let us help you find rehab centers.