Home > Your Health > Conditions A-Z > Opioid Abuse

Opioid Abuse by Krisha McCoy, MS

Definition

Opioid abuse occurs when the compulsive use of opioids harms a person’s health or social functioning. It also occurs when a person is addicted to or dependent on opioids. Opioids are a class of drugs made from opium, as well as synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs that resemble these opium-based drugs. Examples include heroin, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl. These drugs are also often referred to as narcotics.

This condition can be treated. Talk to your doctor if you think you are abusing opioids.

Causes

Opioids produce a quick, intense feeling of pleasure (euphoria), followed by a sense of well-being and calm drowsiness. When opioids are used repeatedly, your brain is likely to become dependent on them. Opioids are highly addictive.

Chemical Release in Brain

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your chance of developing opioid abuse. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:

Gender: male
Age: 20-29
Abusing other types of drugs
Having a psychological disorder

Symptoms

The symptoms below are associated with opioid abuse. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.

Tolerance—need to increase the dose to get the same effect
Increasing amounts of time spent drug-seeking
Interference of drug or drug-seeking behavior with social, occupational, or school functioning
Continued use of drugs despite social, legal, occupational, or interpersonal problems stemming from drug use
Desire or efforts made to decrease or stop drug use
Withdrawal (see below)—adverse symptoms occur when the drug is not taken

Opioid withdrawal symptoms:

Aching
Fever
Sweating
Chills
Craving
Diarrhea , nausea, vomiting
Sleeplessness
Abdominal pain
Muscle aches
Goose pimples
Uncontrollable shivering, tremors
Restlessness
Tearing eyes, runny nose (always wiping your nose)
Yawning
Panic
Irritability

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will also do a physical exam. The doctor will ask you questions about your opioid use, such as how long you have been using opioids and how often you use them. Urine and blood tests may also be done.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Rehabilitation Programs

In rehab programs, people with opioid abuse stay in a controlled environment for 6-12 months, during which they learn how to return to society. It may be necessary to be in a detoxification center initially, where the side effects of drug withdrawal can be safely managed.

Support Groups

Narcotics Anonymous is a twelve-step program that has a good record for supporting people who are recovering from addiction to opioid drugs.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is designed to modify people’s attitudes and behaviors related to opioid abuse. In therapy, you will learn how to avoid and cope with situations in which you are most likely to use drugs.

Medications

These medicines have been shown to be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms:

Methadone
Buprenorphine (Subutex)
Buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone)

When combined with therapy, these medicines can help you to adjust to not using drugs. They may also help you to go through withdrawal at home, rather than at an inpatient facility.

Prevention

The best way to prevent this condition is to never use opioids. They can be highly addictive. If you do have to take prescription drugs to treat pain, follow the directions closely.

RESOURCES:

American Council for Drug Education http://www.acde.org/
National Institute on Drug Abuse http://www.nida.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse http://www.ccsa.ca/
The Council on Drug Abuse http://drugabuse.ca/

References:

Edlund M, Steffick D, Hudson T, Harris T, Sullivan M. Risk factors for clinically recognized opioid abuse and dependence among veterans using opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. Pain. 2007;129(3):355-362.
Mind over matter: opiates. National Institute on Drug Abuse website. Available at: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/mom/mom_opi1.asp . Accessed October 3, 2006.
Nature, causes, and health consequences of illicit opioid use. National Center for Biotechnology Information website. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=dcp2.section.7003 . Accessed October 4, 2006.
NIDA InfoFacts: treatment approaches for drug addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse website. Available at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/treatmeth.html. Accessed October 3, 2006.
Purcell TB. Factitious disorders and malingering. In: Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby; 2006.

Last reviewed January 2010 by Theodor B. Rais, MD

All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at HLEditorialTeam@ebscohost.com.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.