Opiate addiction is one of the types of substance abuse that requires serious treatment. Overdose of this substance can lead to severe body function impairment and even death. To help you know more about opiate addiction, below are answers to basic questions on the condition.
Q: What is opiate addiction?
A: Opiate addiction is a disorder of the central nervous system caused by the continuous usage of opiates. Opiates affect the body by gradually preventing the natural production of pain-relieving endorphins. The body gets used to the presence and effect of opiates and no longer requires endorphins. The nerve cells then decrease and deteriorate, making the body crave for more opiates.
Q: Can opiate addiction be treated?
A: Opiate addiction can be treated. Patients need to go through treatment processes similar to drug abuse rehabilitation. Prior to and in preparation for the treatment processes, patients undergo opiate detoxification. Then, after the treatment processes, patients go through follow-up medications, therapy, support group sessions, etc.
Q: How can you tell if a person is an opiate addict?
A: People addicted to opiates will do anything to acquire the substance. Opiate addicts can no longer control compulsive craving for the substance and will continue to use it despite experiencing its physical, emotional, and social effects. Not only will they have deteriorating relationships with family members and friends, opiate addicts will also fail to perform well at work or in school.
In addition, opiate addicts show restlessness and hyperactivity. They are unable to speak clearly and think properly. They have poor physical coordination and experience extreme mood swings. Finally, opiate addicts often have a very fast heartbeat that can cause them to die or get into a coma.
