Breaking the Silence
Recognizing the signs of opioid addiction is important so people can get help early. To help, there's BRIXADI, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder by helping reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
11 Signs of Opioid Addiction
1. Craving Opioids
A big sign of opioid addiction is craving. A person might have a strong, uncontrollable desire to use opioids. This happens even when they no longer need the drugs for pain. Cravings can take over the person’s thoughts and make it hard to think about anything else but taking opioids.
2. Spending Too Much Time on Opioids
Someone with an addiction might spend a lot of their time trying to get opioids, using them or recovering from their effects. This can take up most of their day, leaving little time for other things like work, school or spending time with family and friends.
3. Mood Changes
Opioid addiction can cause sudden mood changes. A person may feel really happy when they take opioids, but then feel sad, anxious or angry when the effects wear off. These ups and downs can happen quickly and make it hard to control emotions.
4. Taking More Than Needed
Another sign of addiction is using opioids in larger amounts than prescribed. A person might start taking higher doses or taking them more often than their doctor said. This is because their body gets used to the drug, so they need more to feel the same effect.
5. Trouble Stopping
Even when a person wants to stop using opioids, they may find it hard to quit. They might try to cut down or stop but can’t because of strong cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This feeling of being unable to stop is a key sign of addiction.
6. Ignoring Responsibilities
People who are addicted to opioids may start to ignore their daily responsibilities. They might skip work, miss school or avoid important family events. Addiction can take over their life and make it hard to keep up with everyday tasks.
7. Hiding Drug Use
Someone with an opioid addiction might lie about their drug use. They could try to hide the fact that they are taking opioids from their family, friends or even their doctor. This might include sneaking drugs or taking them in secret.
8. Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person tries to stop taking opioids, they can have withdrawal symptoms. These can include feeling sick, shaking, sweating or being very nervous. Withdrawal symptoms can make it very hard to quit opioids without help from a doctor.
9. Losing Interest in Fun Activities
Before addiction, a person may have had hobbies or enjoyed spending time with friends. But when they are addicted to opioids, they might lose interest in these activities. They stop doing things they once loved and focus only on getting and using opioids.
10. Problems With Focus
Opioid addiction can make it hard to focus or think clearly. A person might have trouble paying attention at work or school. They may seem distracted or forgetful because their mind is focused on the drugs.
11. Using Opioids in Risky Situations
A person addicted to opioids might start taking the drugs in unsafe ways or risky situations. For example, they might use opioids while driving, working or in public places where they could hurt themselves or others. This kind of behavior shows how much control the addiction has over them.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is a serious problem, but the good news is that there are treatments available to help. Getting help early can make a big difference in recovery. Here are some common treatments for opioid addiction:
Medication
Some medicines can help people who are addicted to opioids. These medications can reduce cravings and help with withdrawal symptoms. Some of the medicines used are methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. These can make it easier for a person to stop using opioids safely.
Counseling
Talking to a doctor or counselor can be very helpful. Counseling helps people understand why they became addicted and teaches them ways to manage their cravings. Therapy can also help them deal with the emotional problems that may come with addiction.
Rehab Programs
Rehab programs are places where people can go to get help for their addiction. In these programs, they receive care from doctors, therapists and support groups. Some rehab programs require people to stay at the facility for a while, while others allow them to go home at the end of the day. Rehab provides a safe environment for people to work on their recovery.
Support Groups
Support groups are helpful for people who are recovering from addiction. These groups bring people together who are going through similar struggles. Sharing experiences and hearing others’ stories can provide hope and encouragement. Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are examples of support groups that can help.
Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy lifestyle changes can also be an important part of recovery. This can include eating healthy foods, exercising and finding new hobbies to replace drug use. Staying busy with positive activities can reduce the urge to use opioids.
BRIXADI
BRIXADI is a long-acting injectable medication used to treat opioid use disorder by delivering a controlled release of buprenorphine, which helps reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms and support recovery efforts over time. It is designed for individuals seeking treatment for opioid addiction and can be administered weekly or monthly as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
The Importance of Knowing the Signs
Opioid addiction can be dangerous, but it is treatable. If you or someone you know shows these signs of addiction, it’s important to get help right away. Treatments like medication, counseling, rehab programs and support groups can make a big difference in recovery. Getting help early can save lives and lead to a healthier future.