Are you struggling with opiate addiction, or has someone you love become dependent on heroin or another opium-derived drug? This class of drugs is chemically identical to synthetic drugs that are manufactured for medical use in pain management. Known as opioids, they include commercial medications such as OxyContin. Someone may have introduced you or your loved one to opiates before. People can get a prescription for opiates from their doctors, or they can try it illicitly with a friend or at a party. If you or someone you love has developed an addiction, you need professional opiate addiction treatment. However, getting the help you need to take the first steps to wellness can be challenging.
If you want to learn how to help someone with opiate addiction or find support for yourself, call CeDAR today to speak to someone from our staff. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff knows exactly how to help with opiate addiction treatment—where to go, what to ask, and how to prioritize the next steps. Our number is 720.848.3000, but you can easily reach us via our online form. Don’t hesitate. Answers and support are available.
How Do You Know You Need Help with Opiate Addiction?
Humans have a great capacity for self-protection. Sometimes it backfires. When someone is already doing something they don’t want to admit is dangerous, their brain protects them from facing the hard facts. They rationalize their actions and find evidence that all is well, even if they tie themselves in knots to do it.
It often helps if someone else lays out the facts for them, and they can process information in their own time. Here are the facts about opiate addiction. If you recognize yourself or a loved one in the symptoms below, you will need help with opiate addiction.
Psychological signs of opiate addiction:
- Depression
- Euphoria
- Mood swings
- Hostility
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Paranoia
- Loss of motivation
Physical signs:
- Sudden or extreme weight loss
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Track marks
- Dry mouth
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Constricted pupils
- Slurred speech
Behavioral signs:
- Hiding or lying about drug use
- Self-imposed isolation
- Eroding relationships
- Poor personal hygiene
- Secretive behavior
- Ignoring responsibilities at school or work—leading to job loss or dropping out
- Dressing to hide track marks
- Nodding out at random times, even while in public or mid-sentence
These symptoms indicate that drug use has become paramount and that the things that once mattered to you or your loved one have surpassed the vital importance of acquiring and using opiates.
Recalibrating Your Brain Chemistry
Opiates like heroin and synthetic opioids like Oxy and fentanyl interact within the brain. When you abuse opiates, you damage the endocrine system and brain structures like the hypothalamus, which are responsible for producing hormones such as dopamine and serotonin. If you or someone you love abuses opiates, the brain may become dependent on the drug. The brain may need the drug to provide the chemicals that regulate stress and produce feelings of pleasure and contentment. When the drug is withheld, you could experience withdrawal, partly because your brain cannot function independently.
However, the brain can heal, and in recovery, you’ll find that your brain recalibrates and starts to produce the hormones and other chemicals you need to feel okay again without opiates.
This is an important message for you or your loved one as you seek encouragement to get the help you need. You can feel well again. You can live a life without opiates. Recovery is possible.
Learn More About Opiate Addiction Treatment at CeDAR
At CeDAR, we know how to help someone with opiate addiction. In fact, supporting people in recovery is our mission and our greatest passion. Medical and psychiatric treatments, evidence-based therapies, and healthy peer support provided in outpatient and inpatient programs will firmly and safely guide you toward recovery.
CeDAR offers compassionate care that is professional and entirely supported by research. We can help. Call 720.848.3000 or reach out via our online form to get the help you deserve.