In This Article:

• What Are Opioids, and Is Heroin an Opioid?
• What Are the Effects of Heroin?
• What Are the Dangers of Long-term Heroin Use?
• Heroin vs. Opioid Medications
• Heroin Use and Overdose
• Help for Heroin Addiction

What Are Opioids, and Is Heroin an Opioid?

Opioids are a class of drugs that interact with the opioid receptors in your brain.² These receptors are connected to your brain’s reward system. When stimulated, the opioid receptors create a loop that links the stimulus to pleasure. It’s this system that makes opioid drugs very addictive.²

Some opioids are prescribed as medications. These include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and others. Heroin is also an opioid but it has no medicinal purpose. For this reason, it is listed as a Schedule 1 narcotic by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Schedule 1 drugs are substances that have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.³

Prescription opioid medications are classified as Schedule 2 drugs because they do have an accepted medical use, but they also have a high potential for abuse that can lead to addiction. ³ Several types of Schedule 2 opioid medications account for a large proportion of overdose deaths. These include fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, methadone, and hydrocodone.⁴

Regardless of intended purpose, opioids and heroin create a euphoric ‘reward’ experience in your brain.² Opioid medications may be safe if you used them as prescribed by your doctor for a short period. However, if using them for two weeks or longer, you may become physically dependent on them.⁵

What Are the Effects of Heroin?

Heroin and opioid misuse can lead to depression, withdrawal from life, and many other harmful effects.

Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal drug derived from certain varieties of poppy plants. Pure heroin is a white powder that is made primarily in South America and areas of Asia and smuggled into the U.S. It is normally snorted or smoked. Black tar heroin is made mostly in Mexico. The dark color comes from crude processing methods that leave behind impurities. Black tar heroin is usually diluted and injected into the body.⁶

After heroin is snorted, smoked, or injected into the body, it is converted to morphine, binding to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system.⁶ The effects of heroin and opioids include blocking pain, increasing feelings of pleasure, and slowing down breathing and heart function.⁶ During an overdose, a shortage of oxygen to the brain can lead to coma, permanent brain damage, or death.⁶

People who struggle with heroin use will experience two stages of addiction—the short-term highs and the long-term lows.

Initially, heroin opioid use delivers a “rush” of pleasure, also called a euphoric high. Still, even in the short term, taking heroin can trigger unwanted side effects such as:⁷

• Dry mouth
• Warm flushing of the skin
• Heavy arms and legs
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe itching
• Brain fog
• Drifting between a conscious and semiconscious state

Over time, heroin use may result in more severe side effects. Long-term heroin use can lead to:⁸

• Insomnia
• Collapsed veins (if you regularly inject heroin)
• Damaged nasal tissue (for those who snort heroin)
• Valve and heart lining infections
• Abscesses (swollen, pus-filled areas of skin)
• Chronic constipation
• Stomach cramps
• Kidney and liver disease
• Lung disease and complications
• Depression
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Sexual dysfunction for men
• Irregular menstrual cycles for women

What Are the Dangers of Long-term Heroin Use?

Repeated use of heroin changes the physiology of the brain, creating imbalances in the body’s neuronal and hormonal systems.⁶ Studies have shown that prolonged heroin use results in deterioration of the brain’s white matter.⁹ This may detrimentally affect a person’s ability to control their behavior, respond to stressful situations, and make decisions. ⁹ During an overdose, a shortage of oxygen to the brain can lead to coma, permanent brain damage, or death.⁸

People who use heroin and opioids through injection are also at risk of contracting infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS, if sharing non-sterile needles.⁶ Use of heroin during pregnancy can lead to a baby born with fetal effects.⁶

Since 2007, heroin use in the U.S. has steadily increased. In 2016, approximately 948,000 Americans reported using heroin in the past year, and 626,000 met the criteria for heroin use disorder.⁷ The age group driving this increase the most is 18–25 year-olds.⁷

It appears this trend is related to the widespread misuse of opioid pain killers in the U.S.⁶ After becoming dependent on opioid medications, many turn to the more readily available—and more affordable option—heroin.⁶

Heroin Dependency and Addiction

Heroin dependency can happen quickly, after just two weeks of using the drug.⁵ Dependency means you will experience withdrawal symptoms, which normally occur 24-48 hours after the last dose.⁵

Signs of heroin and opioid withdrawal include:⁵

• Restlessness
• Muscle and bone pain
• Problems sleeping
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Cold flashes
• Goosebumps
• Leg movement you can’t control
• Severe cravings for heroin

Using heroin and opioids regularly can also cause you to develop tolerance.⁶ This is when you need to take larger and more frequent doses of heroin to experience the high you used to get from smaller, less frequent doses.

Once you become dependent on heroin or other opioid drugs, you may develop an addiction, which is defined clinically as an opioid use disorder (OUD). This is when having and using heroin becomes the central focus of your life. A person is diagnosed as having an OUD when some of the following signs are present within a 12-month period:¹⁰

• Taking heroin in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed
• Wanting to reduce or stop using heroin but not managing to
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from heroin use
• Having cravings and urges to use heroin
• Experiencing withdrawal effects when stopping heroin use
• Needing to use heroin in larger amounts to attain the effects your experienced when you first started using it
• Not living up to obligations at work, home, or school because of heroin use
• Continuing to use heroin despite the problems it causes problems in relationships
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of heroin use
• Using heroin even in situations where it is dangerous to do so
• Continuing to use heroin when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the drug

An OUD diagnosis is ranked by severity according to the number of symptoms listed above that a person has. Having 2-3 symptoms indicates a mild OUD, 4-5 symptoms indicates a moderate OUD, and 6 or more symptoms indicates a severe OUD.¹⁰

Heroin vs. Opioid Medications

Because heroin and opioid medications have the same effects on the body, more people are misusing both types of drugs.⁶ Some people may turn to heroin after their prescription for an opioid medication runs out and they are unable obtain more prescriptions. Evidence suggests that almost 80% of people who have used heroin previously misused prescription opioid medications.¹¹

On the other hand, some people may start with heroin and turn to stronger opioids, such as fentanyl, after developing a tolerance to heroin. This is indicated by studies showing that about 33% of people entering opioid addiction treatment misused heroin before misusing opioid medications.¹²

The severity of effects can change when using heroin vs. opioid substances. Turning to stronger opioid drugs such as fentanyl is even more risky than using heroin. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid often made illegally, is 50 times more potent than heroin.⁷ This is one reason fentanyl has become the leading cause of drug overdose in the U.S. In 2020, 57,000 people in the U.S. died from overdoses involving fentanyl.¹³ Some of these deaths are likely due to dealers cutting drugs like heroin or cocaine with fentanyl, since all of these substances come in the form of white powder. In such cases, it’s impossible for a buyer to know if heroin has been mixed with more potent drugs such as fentanyl.³

Why Fentanyl Is Deadlier Than Heroin

Fentanyl misuse can have dangerous consequences. If you have symptoms of fentanyl addiction, do not try to detox on your own. Get help to recover safely.

Heroin Use and Overdose

While fentanyl has become the No. 1 drug to cause overdose deaths, heroin is close behind. In 2019, nearly a third of all overdose deaths in the U.S. involved heroin.¹⁴

When a person overdoses on heroin, it means the amount of heroin they have used is more than their body can manage, resulting in death or a life-threatening condition. During an overdose, a shortage of oxygen to the brain can lead to coma, permanent brain damage, or death.⁶ Mixing heroin with alcohol, other opioid drugs such as fentanyl, or other drugs including benzodiazepines can also lead to overdose more easily than many people may realize.⁶

What does a heroin overdose look like? After using too much heroin or opioid drugs, your breathing may slow or even stop. This cuts off oxygen to your brain—a condition known as hypoxia.  So, even if you survive an overdose, you may emerge with permanent damage to your brain and nervous system.⁸ Alternatively, you may remain in a coma due to the effects of hypoxia.⁸

An overdose from heroin and opioids can be treated, if done immediately, with a medication called naloxone. It is available as an injectable medication, used by emergency medical personnel, or as a nasal spray, available to consumers. In either form, this medication binds to opioid receptors, which blocks the effects of heroin or other opioids, reversing overdose symptoms.¹⁵

Naloxone in the nasal spray form is available in some states without a prescription. If the state you live in requires a prescription, ask your primary doctor for a naloxone prescription if you are concerned that you or a loved one may be at risk for opioid overdose. Be sure you know in advance how to properly use naloxone. Keep in mind that naloxone only works on overdoses caused by heroin or other opioids.¹⁵

More than one dose of naloxone may be necessary to help you breathe after an overdose, and other medical care may be required. For these reasons, always seek immediate emergency medical care for an overdose.

Help for Heroin Addiction

If you struggle with heroin and opioid use, help is available. Today, a range of effective treatment options, including medication and different forms of therapy, are used to help people stop using heroin.⁸ Because of the variety of opioid and heroin treatment options available, you can find treatment that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Where Can I Get Treatment for Heroin Addiction?

While there are a few different options for heroin addiction treatment, inpatient care is often recommended due to the severity of this particular addiction and its withdrawal effects.

Medications for Heroin Addiction

To help you through the withdrawal process, when detoxing from heroin and opioids, your treatment specialist may prescribe lofexidine.⁸ This is an FDA-approved, non-opioid medicine that reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms.⁸                 

There are also opioid agonist medicines, such as buprenorphine and methadone, that can help you stop using heroin.⁸ These medications also bind to your brain’s opioid receptors, but they do so in a weaker way than heroin, so they may reduce your heroin cravings and lessen your withdrawal symptoms.⁸

Alternatively, your doctor may recommend naltrexone, a medication that blocks opioid receptors.⁸ When you take naltrexone, opioid drugs will not affect your body.

Studies show that buprenorphine/naloxone combinations are similarly effective to solo use of extended-release naltrexone.^8,15

Behavioral Therapy During Opioid Addiction Treatment

In addition to medications, your treatment program may involve behavioral therapies for heroin addiction. Two popular methods often used in addiction treatment are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management.⁸

With CBT, you learn to change your thoughts about drug use and your behaviors surrounding heroin misuse. In this way, you can learn to effectively manage your drug-use triggers so that you don’t relapse in times of stress.⁸

With contingency management, you can earn motivational incentives, such as vouchers or small cash rewards, when you engage in positive behaviors by avoiding heroin and opioid use to maintain sobriety.⁸

A variety of other types of therapy for opioid addiction, including holistic approaches, are available in many treatment centers today. The methods of therapy that work best for you will depend on your individual situation and personality. What is most important to know is that behavioral treatment is highly effective when combined with medication for heroin addiction.⁸

For more information about treatment for heroin dependency, or to find a treatment center that meets your needs, call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) today.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, August 1). Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts. National Center for Health Statistics.
2. Merrer, J. L., Becker, J. A. J., Befort, K., & Kieffer, B. L. (2009). Reward Processing by the Opioid System in the Brain. Physiological Reviews, 89(4), 1379–1412.
3. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Drugs of Abuse: A DEA Resource Guide/2020 Edition. U.S. Department of Justice.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, October 25). Regional Differences in the Drugs Most Frequently Involved in Overdose Deaths: United States, 2017. National Vital Statistics Reports, 68(12).
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Opioid Addiction. The Science of Addiction.
6. Volkow, N.D. (2014). Heroin. Research Report Series. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Heroin Research Report: What is the scope of heroin use in the United States? National Institutes of Health.
8. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, July 24). Heroin DrugFacts. National Institutes of Health.
9. Qiu, Y., Jiang, G., Su, H., Lv, X., Zhang, X., Tian, J., & Zhuo, F. (2013). Progressive white matter microstructure damage in male chronic heroin dependent individuals: a DTI and TBSS study. PloS One. 8(5).
10. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
11. Cicero, T. J., Ellis, M. S., & Kasper, Z. A. (2017). Increased use of heroin as an initiating opioid of abuse. Addictive Behaviors, 74:63-66.
12. Carlson, R. G., Nahhas, R. W., Martins, S., & Daniulaityte, R. (2016). Predictors of transition to heroin use among initially non-opioid dependent illicit pharmaceutical opioid users: A natural history study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 60:127-134.
13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, August 8). Provisional Drug Overdose Death Counts. National Center for Health Statistics.
14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 5). Drug Overdose: Heroin Overdose Data.
15. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Opioid overdose reversal with naloxone (Narcan, Evzio).
16. Lee, J. D., Nunes, E. V., Mpa, P. N., Bailey, G. L., Brigham, G. S., Cohen, A. J., Fishman, M., Ling, W., Lindblad, R., Shmueli-Blumberg, D., Stablein, D., May, J., Salazar, D., Liu, D., & Rotrosen, J. (2016). NIDA clinical trials network CTN-0051, extended-release naltrexone vs. buprenorphine for opioid treatment (X:BOT): Study design and rationale. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 50:253-64.

The post Is Heroin an Opioid? Facts About Heroin and Opioids appeared first on Narcotics.com.

In this Article:

• Signs of Opioid Addiction
• Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Signs of Opioid Addiction

These 20 signs of opioid addiction are detailed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). If you are concerned about one or more of these warning signs, it may be time to seek opioid addiction treatment.⁴

1. You Take Opioids in Larger Amounts

Taking opioids in larger amounts or for a longer period than intended without your doctor’s knowledge is a sign of opioid use disorder, also known as addiction.

Have you noticed that you take larger doses of narcotics than you did when you first used opioids? This sign can include looking back at your first prescription dose and noticing it has significantly increased under your doctor’s supervision. Your doctor may have increased the prescription strength, approved a higher number of pills as part of your daily regimen, or combined your opioid medication with other controlled substances that increase the risk of developing physical dependence, such as benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax) or muscle relaxers. This dose increase could mean it’s time to seek treatment for opioid addiction.⁴

2. You Take a Narcotic for a Longer Time Than Intended

Were you prescribed an opioid for short-term use, but you still use the narcotic past the physician-directed period? This may include using pills you were prescribed after you need them for acute symptoms, using someone else’s prescription for the same medication, or acquiring the same medication in another way. Opioids are highly effective pain relievers but are medically indicated for short-term use rather than chronic pain management. This continued use may be cause for concern.⁴

3. Your Efforts to Control Opioid Use Are Unsuccessful

If you have promised yourself that you will change how you use opioids or stop using narcotics but have not met that goal, it could mean that you need opioid addiction treatment.⁴

4. You Spend a Great Deal of Time on Activities That Help You Obtain the Opioid

When you look at the hours in your day, is a lot of your time devoted to narcotics? This time spent can manifest in many different behaviors. For example, you may obsessively plan how to present your case to your prescribing physician to get a new prescription, you may be willing to drive to a doctor or pharmacy that is further away. These may be signs of opioid addiction and could be worth discussing with an addiction specialist.⁴

5. You Regularly Switch Doctors to Get New Narcotic Prescriptions

If you live with opioid addiction, the need for a higher dose of narcotics to achieve the same effects may lead to you seeking new physicians regularly. These providers may not be aware of your medical history or current prescriptions and may be more likely to write new prescriptions. But seeking unnecessary prescriptions could indicate you have lost control of your opioid use.⁴

6. You Experience Craving or a Strong Desire to Use Opioids

While the term “craving” is usually used casually, in the context of addiction, cravings can make it difficult for you to get through the day without using an opioid. If your cravings keep you from feeling like yourself without using opioids, this could be a sign of addiction.⁵

7. Your Opioid Use Leaves You Unable to Meet Your School, Work, or Home Obligations

Have you missed assignment deadlines at work or school as a consequence of your opioid use? Or are you not performing at your best when you do complete assignments? Have you forgotten to pick up your children, make dinner, or meet your share of household chores because of narcotics use? These could all be signs that you struggle with opioid addiction.⁴

8. Your Opioid Use Causes or Worsens Problems in Your Social Relationships

If your narcotic use is interfering with your relationships, it could indicate a substance use disorder. Social problems look different for everyone: your friends or family members may avoid making plans with you. Or you may abandon old relationships to spend more time with other people who misuse narcotics. All of these can be signs of narcotic addiction.⁴

9. You Experience Changes in Sexual Desire or Performance

Regular narcotic use changes your brain function, and it can make you less interested in sex. Because it also changes your brain’s reward cycle, it can change your physical response to sexual stimulation.⁷

10. You Give Up or Spend Less Time on Favorite Activities

Were you an avid runner, but now you have given up on race training because the pursuit feels less fulfilling since you began taking opioids? Are you an artist, but it has gotten harder to create since you started taking opioids? New disinterest in your hobbies and passions could be signs that you struggle with addiction.⁴

11. You Experience Drowsiness or Changes in Sleep Habits

Opioid use can cause a sedative effect in your body. That could lead to mid-day drowsiness, which can also impact your ability to sleep at night. Over time, you may associate narcotic use with your ability to sleep, causing you to take more narcotics and further impacting your sleep cycle.⁸

12. You Experience New Financial Challenges

Procuring narcotics can be very expensive. You may spend beyond your means or accrue large amounts of new credit card debt that can be indicative that you are struggling with narcotic misuse.⁴

13. You Have Negative Behavioral Changes

If you live with narcotic addiction, obtaining opioids may become your most important priority. This change in priorities, along with the dramatic mood changes that can be associated with opioid use (discussed next), may lead to you doing things you would not have considered before, even if you feel shame or guilt associated with these behaviors. The need to acquire opioids may lead to lying to loved ones about your use, borrowing money for unexplained reasons or under false pretenses, or stealing.⁴

14. You Experience Sudden Mood Swings

Taking opioids releases a sudden burst of dopamine in your brain. Those dopamine levels drop dramatically as the opioid effects wear off. That can leave you fluctuating between euphoria and dramatic low moods. If this cycle is becoming more frequent, it could be a sign you are struggling with narcotic use.³

15. Your Opioid Use Has Become Physically Hazardous

If you have taken opioids in a way that risks physical harm to yourself, this could indicate that you are not in control of your substance use. ⁴ This could include mixing opioids with other depressants like alcohol or operating a vehicle or machinery while impaired.

16. You Experience Physical or Psychological Health Issues

Many people who struggle with opioid use develop new or worsening depression. Physically, you may also experience unwanted weight loss, chronic or severe constipation, or other significant mental or physical health issues.³ If you continue to take a narcotic while knowing it damages your well-being, this could indicate an opioid addiction.⁴

17. You Overdose

If you have ever overdosed on narcotics, blacked out after use, or required medical attention as a result of your narcotic use, you may need to seek opioid addiction treatment.⁴

18. You Think About or Attempt Suicide

Opioid misuse is associated with a greater risk of suicide.⁴ If you experience severe depression while taking opioids that causes you to make plans for suicide, seek help immediately.

19. You Go Through Withdrawal

If you start to experience physical withdrawal symptoms between opioid doses, you may have a narcotics addiction. Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, chills, and/or watering eyes.³

20. You Use the Same Substance, or a Similar Narcotic, More Frequently to Avoid Withdrawal Symptoms

You may find yourself trying to control your own dosage or avoid withdrawal by taking more opioids during the day than prescribed or taking your prescription medication using a different method. For example, some individuals open capsules or crush pills to eliminate the time release coating that releases the medication over time. If you have turned to other substances instead of or in addition to prescription opioids, such as heroin, to delay opioid withdrawal, you may wish to seek narcotic addiction treatment.⁴

I Don’t Need an Intervention–I Can Quit Anytime

If you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, there will come a time when your loved ones step in to see if they can help. As frustrating as this may be from where you sit, remember this: they are only trying to provide assistance as they don’t want anything to happen to you. There …

Treatment for Opioid Addiction

If you show signs of narcotic addiction, treatment is available. Opioid addiction treatment options may include behavioral counseling such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).⁹

Several medications can help treat opioid addiction. These include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Methadone and buprenorphine can reduce cravings and symptoms of withdrawal by acting on the same areas of your brain as opioids.⁹ Naltrexone is for people who have completed detoxification. It works by blocking the effects of opioids on receptors in your brain.⁹

Whether in an inpatient or outpatient setting, opioid addiction treatment may also include treatment for additional mental health concerns, including depression or anxiety. ⁹

These forms of addiction treatment can help you break free from opioids. Call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) today to learn more about the treatment options in your area.

References

1. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency. (2020). Drug Fact Sheet: Narcotics.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2011, November 4). Vital signs: overdoses of prescription opioid pain relievers—United States, 1999–2008. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 60(43), 1487-1492.
3. Kosten, T. R., & George, T. P. (2002). The neurobiology of opioid dependence: implications for treatment. Science and Practice Perspectives, 1(1):13-20.
4. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
5. Hasin, D. S., O’Brien, C. P., Auriacombe, M., Borges, G., Bucholz, K., Budney, A., Compton, W. M., Crowley, T., Ling, W., Petry, N. M., Schuckit, M. & Grant, B. (2013, August 1). DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders: Recommendations and rationale. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 170(8), 834–851.
6. Pettersen, H., Landheim, A., Skeie, I., Biong, S., Brodahl, M., Oute, J., & Davidson, L. (2019, March 9). How social relationships influence substance use disorder recovery: a collaborative narrative study. Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, 13.
7. Grover, S., Mattoo, S. K., Pendharkar, S., & Kandappan, V. (2014). Sexual dysfunction in patients with alcohol and opioid dependence. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 36(4), 355-365.
8. Robertson, J. A., Purple, R. J., Cole, P., Zaiwalla, Z., Wulff, K., & Pattinson, K. T. (2016, August 22). Sleep disturbance in patients taking opioid medication for chronic back pain. Anaesthesia, 71(11), 1296-1307.
9. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction DrugFacts.

The post 20 Ways to Tell when You Need Treatment for a Narcotic Addiction appeared first on Narcotics.com.

You may ask yourself, “What is the most deadly drug?” Based on statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Drug Enforcement Administration, the following substances represent the top 10 entries on the most dangerous drug list.

In This Article: Top 10 Killer Drugs

• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Fentanyl
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Oxycodone
• Morphine
• Methamphetamine
• Xanax
• Acetaminophen

1. Nicotine

Nicotine is a stimulant drug found in cigarettes and other forms of tobacco, including cigars, snuff, and most e-cigarettes.² In the U.S., it is illegal to sell nicotine products to anyone under the age of 21.³

When used by people under the age of 25, nicotine can change your brain chemistry, affecting your mood, attention span, and your ability to learn or control impulses.⁴

Nicotine products contribute to nearly 500,000 deaths each year in the U.S., with at least 41,000 resulting from secondhand smoke.⁵ Around the world, tobacco products contribute to 7 million deaths each year, making it the most dangerous drug per capita in many countries.⁶ However, quitting smoking before the age of 40 can reduce your risk of nicotine shortening your life by 90%.⁷

Acting as both a stimulant and a relaxing agent, nicotine is an addictive substance.⁵ When consumed in most tobacco products, dangerous smoke and other chemicals are introduced into your body, concentrated in your throat and lungs. Nicotine products increase your risk for stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).⁵

From FDA-approved medications to quit-smoking apps and conversations with medical professionals, help for nicotine addiction is available and effective.^{8, 9} These methods have helped 3 out of every 5 adult smokers who attempt to stop using nicotine successfully quit.⁹

2. Alcohol

Each day in the U.S., 261 people die from excessive alcohol use, adding up to more than 95,000 premature deaths per year.¹⁰ More than half of all alcohol-related deaths are due to health impacts from long-term drinking, such as various types of cancer, heart disease, and liver disease.¹⁰ A large number of deaths also occur from alcohol-involved drug overdoses, suicide, and motor vehicle crashes. In the U.S., anyone over the age of 21 can legally drink alcohol.¹⁰

Alcohol is a depressant drug that impacts your central nervous system. Initially, it causes relaxation, but with increased consumption, alcohol can slow down your reactions and cause loss of balance, slurred speech, and impaired brain function.¹⁰

Alcohol is also a highly addictive legal substance. It is easy to miss warning signs of alcohol addiction and alcohol-related health problems when social alcohol use encourages behaviors, including binge or heavy chronic drinking.¹⁰

Help for alcohol addiction includes medical detoxification, therapy, peer support groups, and inpatient rehabilitation. With the right treatment, many people who struggle with alcohol misuse can regain a life of health and sobriety.¹⁰

3. Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opioid prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. As a prescription medication, legal fentanyl is a powerful pain killer, often used to relieve pain for patients with advanced forms of cancer.¹¹ It is 50-100 times more powerful than morphine.¹¹

Most cases of fentanyl overdose are linked to illegally made forms of the drug.¹² Each year in the U.S., more than 36,000 people die from synthetic opioids, including from fentanyl overdose.¹²

Overcoming opioid addiction alone can be challenging, but with support and intense treatment, including medication-assisted therapy and behavioral therapy, recovery is possible.¹³

4. Heroin

Heroin is an illegal, extremely addictive opioid. Heroin is made from morphine, a natural substance that comes from the seed pod of various opium poppy plants.¹⁴ In 2019, heroin overdoses contributed to nearly a third of all opioid-related deaths in the U.S., making it one of the most deadly drugs.¹⁵

Almost 15,000 people died of a heroin overdose nationally.¹⁶

As an opioid, heroin is very difficult to quit, but treatment can help you overcome addiction.¹⁴ Evidence-based approaches to treating heroin use disorder include medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone combined with behavioral therapy.¹⁴

5. Cocaine

Cocaine is highly addictive and can cause heart failure.

Cocaine is a highly addictive illegal stimulant made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. Almost 14,000 Americans die from cocaine overdoses each year, making it one of the most dangerous drugs.¹⁶  As a street drug, it is often mixed with other drugs that can make it even more deadly.¹⁷

Once ingested—usually by being snorted, smoked, or injected—cocaine raises dopamine levels in your brain. While this can trigger feelings of euphoria, cocaine use can also trigger heart attacks, stroke, and death. After the initial euphoria, people who misuse cocaine may feel paranoid, agitated, anxious, or depressed. Long-term use of cocaine can impair your immune system, which may make you more vulnerable to contracting serious infections.¹⁷ Because cocaine can be injected intravenously, people who use cocaine are at higher risk for HIV and hepatitis infections due to exposure to the blood of individuals with these conditions or to the use of nonsterile syringes. Long-term cocaine use may also lead to malnourishment and weight loss due to decreased appetite. It may also make you susceptible to movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.¹⁷

Because cocaine use triggers extreme euphoria, dependency is common.¹⁵ Help for cocaine addiction likely requires professional treatment. Accepted treatments for cocaine addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and recovery support groups. Although there are no FDA-approved prescription drugs to treat cocaine addiction, clinical trials for effective medications are underway.¹⁷

6. Oxycodone

Oxycodone, the active ingredient in OxyContin and Percocet, is a prescription opioid pain medication.

While oxycodone will initially make you feel happy or relaxed, up to 25% of people who take this medication develop an addiction.¹⁸ Misuse of this drug leads to 25% of all drug overdose deaths in the U.S., making it one of the top deadly drugs.¹⁸

The most effective treatments for oxycodone addiction include medication combined with therapy such as CBT.¹³

7. Morphine

Morphine is another highly addictive opioid drug, often used in medical settings to help with pain relief. Originally, morphine was used almost exclusively by injection. Today, other forms of morphine include oral solutions, tablets, and capsules. Morphine is commonly misused because it triggers euphoric highs, as well as relaxation and drowsiness.¹⁹

Each year, morphine contributes to over 5,000 deaths in the United States.¹⁸ Your risk for fatal morphine overdose increases dramatically if you use morphine in combination with other drugs.¹⁵ Treatment for morphine addiction follows the recommended standards for opioid treatment, which include medication and therapy.¹³

Signs of Sleeping Pill Addiction

Sleeping pills are used by thousands of people nation-wide, but many are unaware of their dangers until it is too late. It’s important to know the signs and consequences of an addiction to sleeping pills.

8. Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive central nervous system stimulant.²⁰ This drug can trigger highs that last for days.²¹ In 2016, more than 7,500 Americans died from drug overdoses related to methamphetamine misuse.¹⁸

People who struggle with methamphetamine misuse may lose weight rapidly or experience severe tooth decay and loss.²¹ Long-term use of methamphetamines can result in substantial cognitive changes,  impacting a person’s memory, attention, and executive brain function.²¹ The most effective treatments for methamphetamine addiction involve behavioral therapies.²¹

9. Xanax

Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, which is a benzodiazepine—a class of prescription medications that address anxiety and sleep disorders by interacting with your body’s GABA-A neurotransmitter.²² Xanax is also prescribed for other conditions, including detoxification from alcohol and other substances, muscle spasticity, and convulsive disorders.²³

More than 6,000 Americans died of Xanax-related causes in recent years.¹ Many deaths related to Xanax also involved fentanyl overdoses and the use of other opioids, causing deadly drug interactions.²³

With treatment, you can break free of benzodiazepine addiction. Due to the risk of experiencing life-threatening drug interactions, always tell your doctor about any opioid use before filling a Xanax prescription.

10. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter painkiller that researchers believe works by inhibiting neural pathways that transmit pain signals.²⁴ While people don’t typically misuse this medication, an acetaminophen overdose can result in liver toxicity because that’s where your body metabolizes this medication.²⁴

In fact, acetaminophen overdose is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the U.S., accounting for 56,000 emergency room visits, 2,600 hospitalizations, and 500 deaths in the U.S. each year.²⁴

If you suffer from an acetaminophen overdose, you’ll need immediate medical attention. Treatment may involve oral charcoal to help absorb the drug in your body, as well as oral or IV N-acetylcysteine, depending on the levels of toxicity in your body.²⁵

Even if you struggle with one of the most deadly drug addictions, help is available. Call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) today to take the first step toward recovery.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, August 8). Opioids.
2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2021, March 15). Nicotine: The Addictive Chemical in Tobacco Products.
3. (2020, January 15). Newly Signed Legislation Raises Federal Minimum Age of Sale of Tobacco Products to 21.
4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General.
5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014). The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General.
6. World Health Organization. (2017). WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2017.
7. Jha, P., Ramasundarahettige, C., Landsman, V., Rostron, B., Thun, M., Anderson, R., McAfee, T., & Peto, R. (2013, January 24). 21st century hazards of smoking and benefits of cessation in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine, 368, 341-350.
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, June 21). How to Quit Smoking.
9. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Smoking Cessation. A Report of the Surgeon General.
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 16). Alcohol and public health.
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 16). Fentanyl.
12. Mattson, C. L., Tanz, L. J., Quinn, K., Kariisa, M., Patel, P., & Davis, N. L. (2021, February 12). Trends and geographic patterns in drug and synthetic opioid overdose deaths — United States, 2013–2019. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70(6), 202-207.
13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, August 12). RX Awareness.
14. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Heroin DrugFacts..
15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 25). Drug overdose.
16. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, August 31). 2018 Annual Surveillance Report of Drug-Related Risks and Outcomes — United States.
17. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Cocaine DrugFacts.
18. Hedegaard, H., Bastian, B., Trinidad, J., Spencer, M., & Warner, M. (2018, December 12). Drugs most frequently involved in drug overdose deaths: United States, 2011-2016. National Vital Statistics Reports, 67(9).
19. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Drug Fact Sheet: Morphine.
20. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Methamphetamine DrugFacts.
21. Barr, A. M., Panenka, W. J., MacEwan, G. W., Thornton, A. E., Lang, D. J., Honer, W. G., & Lecomte, T. (2006, September 31). The need for speed: an update on methamphetamine addiction. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 31(5), 301–13.
22. Longo, L., Johnson, B. (2000, April 1). Addiction: part 1. Benzodiazepines―side effects, abuse risk and alternatives. American Family Physician, 61(7), 2121-2128.
23. Sun, E. C., Dixit, A., Humphreys, K., Darnall, B. D., Baker, L. C., & Mackey, S. (2017, March 14). Association between concurrent use of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines and overdose: retrospective analysis. BMJ, 356(760).
24. Agrawal, S., Khazaeni, B. (2000, November 20). Acetaminophen Toxicity. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
25. O’Malley, G, O’Malley, R. (2020). Acetaminophen poisoning. Merck Manual.

The post Top 10 Killer Drugs appeared first on Narcotics.com.

In this Article:

• What is a Narcotics Recovery Support Group?
• What Treatment Should I Consider Before or After Joining a Recovery Support Group?
• Why Choose an In-Person vs. Online Support Group?
• What Recovery Support Groups Can I Choose From?

What Is a Narcotics Recovery Support Group?

A recovery support group for opioid addiction or other narcotic addictions is a place where you can share your journey with people who have been through similar experiences. Research shows that adding peer support to your treatment plan can help you avoid relapses during your recovery.¹

In a peer support group, you give and receive nonprofessional and nonclinical help from those in similar circumstances to your own. In recovery support groups, people at any stage of addiction recovery come together to share knowledge, discuss past and current experiences, and work through effective coping strategies while creating an understanding environment.¹

What Treatment Should I Consider Before or After Joining a Recovery Support Group?

If you’re beginning treatment for heroin or another opioid addiction, medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can help reduce your cravings for illicit drug use.²

Attending recovery support group meetings will provide peer support and accountability to help you stay sober.

These medications may be more effective at minimizing your struggles with substance misuse when combined with other types of treatment. These include:²

• Counseling
• Behavioral therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Attending a recovery support group

After you’ve completed your initial treatment, your recovery journey is not complete. Achieving sobriety is only the beginning of addiction treatment. For many people with substance use disorders, exploring a continuum of care produces better recovery outcomes. That means stepping up or down the intensity of your treatment, depending on your needs.³

For that reason, you may wish to explore a combination of treatment options and support groups for narcotic addiction. With more available options, you’re likely to find the treatment combination that helps you stay sober.²

Why Attend In-Person vs. Online Support Groups?

Recovery support groups can help you avoid relapsing into narcotics misuse. When you’re looking for a recovery support group, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of organizations. You can also decide whether you wish to attend in-person meetings or prefer to join an online support group.

While there is concrete evidence that peer support groups can help you overcome narcotic addiction, less is known about the relatively new development of online support groups. However, because of its convenience, this form of recovery support group may be more accessible to many.

Today, approximately 28% of all U.S. internet users have accessed an internet support group.⁴ Whether in-person or online, peer support can help you start and stick with your recovery journey.⁵ By exploring several common narcotic addiction support groups, you can decide which one would best suit your needs.

What Recovery Support Groups Are Available?

Narcotics Anonymous

Founded in 1953, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a global recovery support group with chapters and meetings in 146 countries. Much like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), NA members work through a 12-step program to help them get and stay clean.⁶

NA sees group members as “recovering individuals who meet regularly to help each other stay clean” in a program “of complete abstinence from all drugs.”⁷

Anyone who wants to stop using narcotics or opioids can join NA. There is no cost to join, and new members are considered “the most important person at any meeting because we can only keep what we have by giving it away.”⁷ When you join NA, you’re encouraged to remain a member for as long as you can, since the group’s philosophy states that those “who keep coming to our meetings regularly stay clean.”⁷

If NA sounds like a good choice for you, the group holds in-person and Virtual NA meetings.

SMART Recovery

The SMART Recovery program offers online and face-to-face support. It is not a 12-step program. Instead, it helps people on their path to sobriety through a signature four-point recovery program, providing recovery tools and techniques in the following areas: ⁹

1. Building and maintaining motivation
2. Coping with urges
3. Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
4. Living a balanced life

Unless noted as private or specialized, all SMART Recovery meetings are free and open to the public. However, you’ll have the option to donate to the organization during in-person meetings.⁸ Online meetings are also free, but you will need to preregister on the SMART Recovery message board.⁹

Women for Sobriety

As the name suggests, this recovery support group limits membership to women. Women for Sobriety’s New Life Program—based on 13 Acceptance Statements—can help you find sustainable sobriety by changing the way you think.¹⁰

In addition to in-person meetings, phone support, and online support forums, Women for Sobriety encourages members to wake up 15 minutes early each morning to review the 13 Acceptance Statements.¹¹

Then, you’re encouraged to use one statement each day, reviewing how that mindset impacted your thoughts and your resultant actions at the end of the day.¹⁰

For that reason, you must be prepared to use the program consciously every day, even on days when you don’t attend meetings. The program’s goal is to make your recovery a journey of personal discovery that will help you build a more fulfilling life.¹¹

LifeRing Secular Recovery

Like NA, LifeRing offers members the chance to access anonymous peer support. But it’s not a 12-step program. Rather, LifeRing Secular Recovery operates on the 3-S philosophy: Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Help.¹¹

Instead of offering one distinct program, LifeRing helps you explore what will keep you personally from using drugs. They invite you to in-person or virtual support meetings to discuss what is or isn’t working in your recovery journey and to enjoy peer support and guidance to help you stay sober.¹¹

Because LifeRing doesn’t subscribe to specific steps, the program encourages attendance at other recovery support groups such as NA, if that helps you maintain sobriety.¹²

LifeRing does not mandate anonymity among its members, but you also won’t be forced to share identifying information with your peers. You may also attend LifeRing if you have current religious affiliations. The group’s philosophy of secularity simply means they don’t make religious connections part of your recovery journey—they don’t discourage members from finding personally meaningful religious experiences.¹²

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a network of recovery support groups aligned with the principles of Save OurSelves International. Anyone who needs help getting or staying sober is welcome to join. There is no set SOS recovery program. Rather, meetings are meant to promote sobriety in a safe, non-religious setting.¹²

As such, SOS approaches addiction from a scientific perspective. While some members view SOS meetings as an alternative to 12-step programs—many of which involve connecting with a higher power, traditionally viewed as a religious deity—SOS does not discourage members from attending its meetings in conjunction with other recovery support groups.¹²

If you need to find treatment for opioid addiction or other narcotic addiction, call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) today to discuss the treatment options.

References

1. Tracy, K., & Wallace, S. P. (2016). Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 7, 143-154.
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of effective treatment. Principles of drug addiction treatment: a research-based guide (Third Edition).
3. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). Chapter 3. Intensive Outpatient Treatment and the Continuum of Care. Substance abuse: clinical Issues in intensive outpatient treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 47.
4. Griffiths, K. M., Mackinnon, A. J., Crisp, D. A., Christensen, H., Bennett, K., & Farrer, L. (2012). The effectiveness of an online support group for members of the community with depression: a randomised controlled trial. PLoS One, 7(12),
5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2017). Peers supporting recovery from substance use disorders.
6. Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (1966). How it works.
7. Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (1966). What is the Narcotics Anonymous program?
8. SMART Recovery. About SMART Recovery® Local Meetings.
9. SMART Recovery. Introduction to SMART Recovery.
10. Women for Sobriety. New Life Program.
11. LifeRing Secular Recovery. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
12. Secular Organizations for Sobriety. (2021). Secular Organizations for Sobriety / “Save OurSelves”.

The post What are the Common Support Groups for Narcotic Addiction? appeared first on Narcotics.com.

In this article:

• What Is a Substance Use Disorder?
• 10 Signs of Opioid Addiction
• Diagnosing an Opioid Addiction
• Addressing an Opioid Addiction

What Is a Substance Use Disorder?

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V or DSM-5), substance use disorders (SUDs) are broken down into 10 different substance categories.

These classes of drugs include:¹

People with an opioid addiction may no longer engage in activities they used to enjoy and self-isolate.

1. Alcohol
2. Caffeine
3. Cannabis
4. Hallucinogens
5. Inhalants
6. Opioids
7. Sedatives
8. Hypnotics
9. Stimulants
10. Tobacco

For each of these drug classes, the DSM-5 also identifies distinct narcotic addiction warning signs. Depending on how many of these signs of addiction you or your loved one displays, the substance use disorder diagnosis could be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.¹

Regardless of its degree, it’s important to get help for any signs of opioid addiction or other narcotics addiction. For this reason, understanding the characteristics of narcotics addiction can help you seek help or encourage your loved one to seek help that may keep a mild SUD from becoming severe.

10 Signs of Opioid Addiction

Opioids include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Signs of opioid addiction or another substance abuse disorder include the following:

1. Hazardous Use

Using narcotics in hazardous ways can be indicative of an opioid addiction or other SUD. Hazardous use includes any use that endangers your physical health and safety. For example, driving with another person in the car while under the influence of opioids is hazardous use. Even if you have never overdosed, but have blacked out after taking opioids or other narcotics, this is considered hazardous use and may be a narcotics addiction warning sign.³

2. Social or Interpersonal Problems Related to Use

When use of opioids or other narcotics begins to interfere with relationships, this may be a sign of a SUD. These social problems can take on different forms. Your loved one may cancel your planned get-togethers to use narcotics or recover from narcotics use. Or you may find yourself spending less time with friends and family members to spend more time with people who also misuse narcotics. These may all be signs that your loved one has an addiction to narcotics. Keeping company with others who are also using drugs may be cause for additional concern because having a strong social network is important during recovery from narcotics addiction.⁴

3. Activities Given Up to Use

If you miss favorite activities or can no longer enjoy former hobbies due to narcotics use, that could indicate an opioid addiction or other SUD.¹

4. Neglecting Major Roles to Use Narcotics

If narcotics use results in missed deadlines at work or missed assignments at school, that may mean that substance use has progressed to a disorder. Even if you manage to complete tasks, but you cannot meet your former standards, this could also indicate an addiction to narcotics.¹

5. Withdrawal

If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using narcotics, that may indicate opioid addiction or another SUD, particularly if those symptoms improve when you use more of the substance.¹ Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the narcotic being misused.

Physical withdrawal symptoms may include: ⁵

• Aches and pains
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Changes to sleeping patterns or inability to sleep
• Shaking
• Sweating and/or chills

Withdrawal can also cause psychological symptoms, including aggression, irritability, anxiety, and extreme unhappiness or negativity.⁵

6. Tolerance

A clinical tolerance to opioids or other narcotics occurs when you must use more of a substance to get the same effect. Many substances, such as opioids, change the way your brain chemistry works. Over time, brain cells containing opioid receptors become less responsive to stimulation from opioids. For that reason, higher doses become necessary to achieve the same effect. In time, an opioid addiction may develop.⁶ On its own, tolerance could be an indication of a SUD, but it is not the same as a SUD. However, having a physical tolerance to opioids or other narcotics may contribute to the development of the next DSM-5 sign of narcotics addiction.

7. Using Larger Amounts or Spending Much More Time Using Narcotics

Spending increasing amounts of time using or recovering from the effects of using opioids can be one of the signs of opioid addiction. In this time, the dose used may also increase, which can also indicate a SUD.¹

8. Repeated Attempts to Control Use or Quit

Maybe you or your loved one has tried to cut back on or quit their opioid use or other narcotic use, but those attempts have been unsuccessful. This could indicate an opioid addiction or other SUD since relapses and an inability to find sobriety without professional treatment are common narcotics addiction warning signs.²

9. Physical or Psychological Problems Related to Narcotics Use

If you or your loved one’s opioid or other narcotic use triggers known physical health problems, but these issues do not alter the substance misuse, this may be a sign of a SUD. Mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, may also be related to narcotics use.⁵

10. Substance Cravings

If you or your loved one has an opioid addiction or other SUD, physical cravings to use the substance may make it harder to stop using it. Cravings can make the desire to use opioids feel similar to the needs to eat, drink water, and sleep throughout the day, making it difficult to stay focused on recovery.²

Diagnosing an Opioid Addiction

Clinically, substance use disorders can only be diagnosed if two or more signs of opioid addiction or narcotics addiction warning signs are present within the span of a year.¹ After passing that milestone, the disorder can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. If you or your loved one shows two or three characteristics of addiction, the disorder would be considered mild. Showing four or five addiction warning signs indicates a moderate SUD. Showing six or more warning signs could suggest the SUD is severe.¹

Additionally, substance-induced disorders can occur. These are conditions such as intoxication, withdrawal, and certain mental health disorders. While some—such as withdrawal—are also indications of a SUD, these are medical concerns that may need to be addressed separately.⁵

Doctors may identify substance-induced mental disorders if your loved one is now living with certain mental health conditions that they did not struggle with before using narcotics.

Examples of narcotics-induced mental health disorders include:⁵

• Certain psychotic disorders
• Bipolar disorder and related conditions
• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related conditions
• Sleep disorders
• Sexual dysfunction
• Changes to neurocognitive function

Using certain narcotics increases the risk for substance-induced disorders. If your loved one uses psychoactive or hallucinogenic narcotics, their ability to manage stress could also change or become compromised.⁵ Marijuana misuse, particularly in young adults, increases the risk of developing psychosis, schizophrenia, or schizophreniform psychosis later in life in ultra high-risk populations.⁷

Addressing an Opioid Addiction

The initial diagnosis of an opioid addiction or other substance use disorder is not necessarily a permanent classification. Following diagnosis, you or your loved one can seek treatment for opioid addiction and narcotics misuse.¹

In treatment, clinicians can note that the SUD is “in early remission,” “in sustained remission,” “on maintenance therapy,” or “in a controlled environment.”² While SUDs are not curable, they are highly treatable, with many individuals finding sustainable sobriety with appropriate treatment.²

Have you noticed warning signs of opioid addiction in your own life or in the life of a friend or family member? Help is available. Call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) today.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—DSM 5. American Psychiatric Association.
2. Hasin, D. S., O’Brien, C. P., Auriacombe, M., Borges, G., Bucholz, K., Budney, A., Compton, W. M., Crowley, T., Ling, W., Petry, N. M., Schuckit, M., & Grant, B. (2013). DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders: Recommendations and rationale. American Journal of Psychiatry, 170(8), 834–851.
3. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders.
4. Pettersen, H., Landheim, A., Skeie, I., Biong, S., Brodahl, M., Oute, J., & Davidson, L. (2019). How social relationships influence substance use disorder recovery: a collaborative narrative study. Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, 13, 1178221819833379.
5. McLellan, A. T. (2017). Substance misuse and substance use disorders: Why do they matter in healthcare? Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association, 128, 112-130.
6. Kosten, T. R., & George, T. P. (2002). The neurobiology of opioid dependence: implications for treatment. Science & Practice Perspectives, 1(1), 13-20.
7. Shrivastava, A., Johnston, M., Terpstra, K., & Bureau, Y. (2014). Cannabis and psychosis: Neurobiology. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 56(1), 8-16.

The post 10 Classic Characteristics of Opioid Addiction appeared first on Narcotics.com.

In this article: 

• Find Acceptance
• Plan a SMART Change
• Build a Team
• Focus on Nutrition
• Tap Into Your Feelings
• Dig Deep
• Find What You Love
• Say Some Goodbyes
• Keep Track of it All
• Ask for Help

1. Find Acceptance

Before you can gain addiction control, you must accept your past mistakes and understand that your current relationship with drugs or alcohol is just temporary—just by researching tips and treatment, you are already moving toward a healthier and drug-free future.

Why is acceptance so important? Acknowledging existing conditions is a key portion of mindfulness practice. And research reveals that mindfulness plays a major role in improving your self-control. Especially when it comes to your ability to make decisions and change automatic habits, two areas that are key to achieving addiction control.¹

2. Plan a SMART Change (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound)

If your goal is to achieve addiction control, you’ll need to make a very specific plan for how you’ll get to that point. Start by determining your goal: is it total abstinence from alcohol or drugs? Then, take a close look at your current resources—friends, family, or even rehab specialists you can call—to see how you can begin your plan right now.

Next, write down your goal. And include specific actions—like inquiring about rehab programs—that you’ll commit to taking within a specified period. Now, try sharing your plan with a friend—this adds accountability to your action plan. Finally, commit to sending weekly updates to your friend, family member, or support person. Research suggests that people who take all five of these steps are more likely to achieve their goals.²

When your goal is to get control of addiction, adding a support person to your team could be the most important element of your plan.

3. Build a Team

When you’re working towards addiction control, you’ll need people in your corner. These could be family members or trusted friends—people you can turn to when you need to talk or stay strong in the face of drug or alcohol cravings. Research reveals that having supportive relationships can help you achieve better treatment results when you get help for addiction.³ Moreover, having a strong support network can help you find the courage to enter and complete an addiction treatment program.⁴

So, if you’re hoping to get lasting control over addiction, finding a supportive friend, family member, or treatment specialist could help you take major steps toward recovery. If you aren’t sure where to find a support system, you can always check out Narcotics Anonymous meetings near you. NA meetings provide you with fellowship, encouragement, and guidance throughout recovery.

4. Focus on Nutrition

If you’ve been struggling with addiction, other areas of your health may have suffered. Many people who struggle with addiction are severely undernourished.⁵ Then, if you enter detoxification for drug or alcohol misuse, you may lose your appetite. This could further impact your body’s nutritional stores.⁶ For that reason, even before you’re ready to begin a medical detox and supervised rehab program, focusing on healthier food choices could help prepare you for the road to addiction control.⁶

5. Tap Into Your Feelings

If you struggle with addiction, negative feelings or experiences can act as triggers for you to relapse. When you seek help for addiction, your treatment will likely include talk therapy, which can help you change your reactions to stressful situations.⁷ It may be hard to change ingrained reactions without professional help, but simply identifying your natural reaction to stressful situations can be helpful. When you begin treatment, you’ll be able to discuss the responses that both help and hurt you. This should make it easier to work on leaving harmful reactions in your past.

During this step, it’s important to note both the positive and negative triggers that influence your drug or alcohol misuse. Attending a party with friends could leave you feeling like you have to drink to be part of the fun, or confrontations with family members could cause you to seek comfort in a certain substance. By tracking your own patterns, you can start to overcome them once you begin treatment for substance misuse.

6. Dig Deep

Once you’ve noted your triggers, you can begin to explore why those situations are so triggering for you. When you ask yourself questions, you may begin to identify certain feelings that come up during those triggering moments. Later, you can begin to work on responding to those feelings in healthier ways.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often a helpful treatment option when you seek help for addiction. CBT uses the ABCD approach to stop the trigger-substance misuse cycle. This method follows these steps:⁸

• You identify the activating event, or in other words, your trigger.
• Next, you explore your beliefs about that trigger. This helps you understand that it’s not the trigger that makes you struggle with drugs or alcohol, but your feelings that come to mind during that event or incident.
• Next, explore consequences. Specifically, this step addresses the emotional consequences you experience when you give way to beliefs about your triggers.
• Finally, you’ll learn to dispute or fight your own beliefs with statements that counter your old reactions.

This is an advanced form of therapy that typically requires the help of a professional. Still, beginning on your own will help you better understand the root cause of your feelings. It can also give you some tools to counter old beliefs that contribute to your struggle with drugs or alcohol. In that way, you’ll grow one step closer to addiction control.

7. Find What You Love

Whether or not it’s an official trigger for you, boredom often leads to struggles with drug or alcohol misuse. When you don’t know what to do with yourself, it may feel simpler to turn to substances than to find a way forward.

Instead of fighting boredom with drugs or alcohol, exploring what you love can be a powerful way to gain control over addiction. Imagine waking up to a day where you know you’ll be painting a new landscape or trying to add 10 minutes to a daily run. Both of those goals would be difficult to accomplish if you turn to substance abuse.

According to research, replacing your substance addiction with a positive endeavor, like a running routine, can be an effective deterrent to relapse.⁹ So, by finding something you love to do, you can choose a healthier alternative to substance use. And help yourself commit to staying sober.

8. Say Some Goodbyes

You’ve already learned that finding supportive friends or family will help you take control over addiction. It’s important to look for the relationships that will help you seek treatment and maintain your sobriety. It’s equally important to understand that certain people in your life may trigger your substance cravings or use.¹⁰

One of the first steps you can take after acknowledging your struggle with drugs or alcohol is to stay away from the friends that encourage your substance use or trigger you. Whether they join you in abusing substances or simply trigger feelings that leave you seeking comfort, those people will make it difficult to control addiction. That’s why you’ll need to say goodbye to these relationships, or at least severely limit interactions.¹⁰

9. Keep Track of It All

Finding addiction control is a lifelong journey, and keeping a journal of your progress can help you along the way. Right now, you can start writing down some of your feelings. You can take note of your triggers and explore the feelings that surround them.

Over time, as you look back over old entries, you’ll be able to track your progress. You can identify areas where you’ve enjoyed success, and you can also notice areas where you still struggle and need additional support.

When done daily, journaling can be an important part of mindfulness practice. Plus, research proves that expressive writing can help you avoid intrusive thoughts about negative events.11 When you’re struggling with addiction, keeping a journal can offer additional support in your journey towards recovery by helping you to stop thinking about your former addictive habits.

After all, when you’ve avoided talking about your struggles for so long, it can feel very difficult to begin opening up now. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide an easier way to open up. In fact, later on, you may choose to share some journal entries with trusted therapists or treatment specialists. Having a written record will help you recall and overcome feelings you must address to gain control over addiction.

10. Ask for Help

The best and most lasting tool for overcoming addiction is to seek professional help for drug or alcohol misuse. There are several types of treatment, including inpatient, residential, and outpatient; the right program for you will depend on your needs and priorities. Joining a recovery support group is also helpful. The evidence is clear: people who seek help for addiction are frequently able to return to productive lives, rejoin their families, and gain control over addiction.¹²

Of course, on your recovery journey, you may face relapse, and that is normal. Statistics show that addiction relapse rates hover around 40% to 60%. However, these rates are lower than those for people living with chronic conditions such as asthma or hypertension.¹² You likely know many people who live full lives while managing those conditions.

Call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) today and learn about the available addiction treatment options near you.

Resources

1. Garland, E. L., & Howard, M. O. (2018). Mindfulness-based treatment of addiction: current state of the field and envisioning the next wave of research. Addiction science & clinical practice, 13(1), 14.
2. Matthews, G. (n.d.). Goals Research Summary.
3. Hanlon, T. E., Nurco, D. N., Bateman, R. W., & O’Grade, K. E. (1998). The response of drug abuser parolees to a combination of treatment and intensive supervision. The Prison Journal, 78(1), 31–44.
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