OPIATE ADDICTION


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prescription opiate abuse has reached epidemic levels. Abuse of opiate-based prescription narcotics often leads to more dangerous drugs, namely heroin. These painkillers contain the same active ingredient as heroin, and many heroin addicts begin as recreational prescription opiate users.

12 million Americans used opiate-based prescription narcotics for non-medical purposes in 2010 per the CDC. Unfortunately, this number continues to rise dramatically and is expected to increase in the coming years. With the rise in opioid drug abuse has come an alarming increase in the number of overdose deaths. Opiate-based prescription drugs now account for more deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.

Signs of Opiate Dependence

  • A strong desire or sense of compulsion to ingest the drug
  • Difficulty controlling drug-taking behavior in terms of its onset, termination or levels of use
  • A physiological withdrawal state when drug use is stopped or reduced, as evidenced by: the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance (withdrawals); or use of the same (or a closely related) substance with the intention of relieving or avoiding withdrawal symptoms (stopping use by substituting with another opiate-based substance)
  • Growing tolerant to the point that increased doses of the drug are required in order to achieve effects originally produced by lower doses
  • Progressive neglect of alternative pleasures, activities or interests because of drug use
  • Increased amount of time necessary to obtain or take the drug or to recover from its effects
  • Persisting with drug use despite clear evidence of overtly harmful consequences, such as harm to the liver, depressive mood states or impairment of cognitive functioning/thought processes

Physical Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawal

Psychological Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawal

Resources: Addiction to Opiates, Prescription Painkillers

Related Articles

Opiate Detox – No Pain, No Gain via Discovery Place

All our Opiate & Opioid related articles

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

    Thinking About Rehab?

    Learn More About Our Alternative Residential Recovery Programs

      Alternative Drug & Alcohol Treatment Rehab
    • Admissions
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Talk to someone about your options

      Talk to someone about your options

      Blue Pig Media