Opioid Dependence
Opioid Dependence: Understanding the Issue and Its Management
Prescription drug abuse has become an extremely concerning issue in recent years. In particular, opioid abuse and dependence have been a growing concern as use of these medications has skyrocketed in recent decades. Opioids are drugs that have high potential for dependence and so, understanding this issue and the methods available to manage it is essential.
Types of Opioid Abuse: The use of opioids such as oxycodone, morphine, and codeine can lead to physical and/or psychological dependence. Physical dependence occurs when one’s body becomes used to the presence of a drug and withdrawal symptoms occur when that drug is not present. Psychological dependence occurs when the person develops a reliance on the drug to feel a certain away or accomplish a desired feeling.
Risk Factors for Opioid Abuse:
- Availability of opioids in the community
- Past History of Substance Abuse Disorder
- Family History of Substance Abuse
- Psychological or Emotional Distress
- Certain Mental Illnesses
- Using a Combination of Central Nervous System Depressants
- Using Drugs to Self-Medicate Emotions
Opioid dependence can have long lasting effects in the way of physical, psychological, and social complications. Common physical effects include risk of overdose, respiratory depression, increased risk of infectious disease, and chronic pain. Psychological complications of opioid dependence can be the development of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and impaired judgement or thinking. Socially, opioid dependence can result in increased risk of homelessness, legal issues, and financial hardships.
Management of Opioid Dependence
Treatment of opioid dependence can range from lifestyle changes to supervised medical management. To protect against risk of relapse, it is essential that a holistic approach is taken. Such an approach will include abstaining from opioid use and other drugs or alcohol, joining support groups or self help programs, and getting long-term medical treatment if it is deemed necessary.
Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone are specifically used to manage opioid dependence and can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Additionally, therapy can be used in conjunction with medication to help individuals develop a plan to manage their opioid dependence, better deal with their feelings, avoid relapse, and build a new lifestyle which does not involve opioid abuse.
The key to effective management of opioid dependence is early intervention and comprehensive treatment. While the physical and psychological symptoms such as withdrawal or cravings can be managed with medication, the social aspects can only be addressed through lifestyle changes and therapies. Therefore, taking a comprehensive, well-rounded approach is essential for long-term management of opioid dependence.