According to Foundations Recovery Network, narcotics are also known as opiates or painkillers, both of which are commonly abused in the United States. Narcotics work in the body by attaching themselves to receptors in the central nervous system so that a person’s pain signals are blocked. Due to this, narcotics are often prescribed for serious injuries and surgeries. The most common types of narcotics are codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, and more. Illegal drugs that are considered narcotics are heroin, opium, and taking the previously mentioned medications outside of a doctor’s recommendation.
Side of effects of narcotics include a decreased sense of pain, dizziness, euphoria, decreased respiration, sedation, upset stomach, and developing a tolerance to the drug. Medline Plus, a government website, states that narcotics should typically not be taken for more than 3-4 months unless stated otherwise by a trusted doctor. Narcotics are very addictive, which is why there is an opiate crisis in America today.
When someone takes their medication in higher doses and more frequently than their prescription states, they may easily become dependent. When this happens, the body begins to crave the drug to feel relaxed. Dependency can lead to addiction when a person continues to take increasing amount of medication to achieve the same desired effect they felt when they first started. WebMD notes several signs of opioid use disorder:
- Fervent desire to use opioids
- Inability to control drug use
- Difficulty meeting school or work obligations
- Getting into legal altercations due to drug use
- Spending large amount of time trying to obtain drugs
- Developing a tolerance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing use
Recovery.org states that one needs to determine which type of treatment center they need to attend to properly recover. Residential treatment centers can be very beneficial, providing 24/7 support and resources. Nutritional guidance, psychotherapy, exercise programs and group therapy are just a few offerings that some treatment centers may provide. The first step of treatment is detoxification, in which the body dispels all the toxins from the addiction. WebMD claims that methadone is a widely used medication to help to help with opiate withdrawal and prevent relapse. Buprenorphine is an alternative medication that can also be used.
If you are addicted to narcotics, speak with someone today. Our licensed, experienced health care professionals at Avalon Malibu care about your success in recovery. We believe in holistic treatment, meaning that we will support your recovery in mind, body, and spirit. Individualized treatment is important to us and you will be in a home-like atmosphere. Call us today at 888-533-9886.
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