A chronic health condition that involves a problematic pattern of opioid use is called opioid use disorder (OUD). Treatment often includes reducing opioid medicine use and other medicines and therapies. It is very important to get medical help if you think you are developing opioid addiction.
Furthermore, this is a mental disorder that opioid use negatively affects your health and quality of life. It is very important to understand that opioids are addictive medicines. In most cases, doctors prescribe them to relieve moderate to severe pain, but they are often used for short periods. Long-term use can cause addiction. Opioids also cause the body to produce Dopamine (a hormone that gives you a feeling of pleasure). Some people may experience euphoria when administered opioids. These good feelings often disappear when you are no longer using opioids.
This disorder usually occurs when you have an intense drive to use opioids, despite the risks. Some people continue to use opioids because of withdrawal symptoms that occur when they stop taking them. This is a lifelong (chronic) disorder that can cause serious and even life-threatening complications. That’s why you should take opioids exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Symptoms
According to DSM-5-TR (the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), opioid use disorder has some criteria. Check below some criteria of this disorder:
- Administering large amounts of opioids or using them longer than recommended by doctors
- Strong desires or urges to use opioids
- Unsuccessful efforts to stop using opioids
- Using these medications, nonetheless, recurrent social problems
- Reducing activities because of opioid use
- Problems with fulfilling responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Tolerance (it means you need an increased dose of opioid to get the same effect)
- Withdrawal (these are symptoms that occur when you stop taking opioids after long-term use)
- Physical or psychological problems
- Taking opioids in physically hazardous situations
Usually, doctors confirm opioid use disorder if you have at least two of the previous criteria within 12 months. If you suspect you are developing this disorder, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
Causes
This group of medicines changes the brain’s reward system. It occurs because these substances increase addiction potential. They also trigger the brain to release Endorphins. These are neurotransmitters that reduce the perception of pain and induce feelings of euphoria.
Furthermore, opioids also increase the risk of physical dependence because the body adjusts to these medicines. In general, it is difficult to quit using the medications because they cause unpleasant symptoms when you try to stop. For example, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, cravings for opioids, and others. In most cases, opioid dependence occurs within 8 weeks. This is the reason doctors closely monitor you if you need opioids.
Risk Factors
There are some factors that may elevate your risk of developing opioid use disorder. Examples include:
- Access to opioids – In general, opioid use disorder occurs quite commonly after administering prescription opioids. Sometimes, people develop OUD due to nonprescription substances (such as heroin).
- Adverse childhood experiences – There are some negative experiences that happen during childhood, and they can increase your risk of OUD. For example, abuse, neglect, difficult relationships, domestic violence, untreated behavioral or mental disorders, and others.
- Chronic pain – Any health condition that causes long-term pain increases the risk of developing OUD.
- Genetics – According to some research, some genes that are passed from the biological parents to their children may also increase the risk of OUD.
- Mental disorders – The risk of developing OUD also increases if you have bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What Happens if Opioid Use Disorder is Left Untreated?
The most serious complication of OUD is overdose (administering too much of an opioid). It is a deadly complication that negatively affects your breathing without immediate treatment. Check below for other complications of OUD:
- Blood-borne virus infections (including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV infection, and others)
- Legal problems
- Difficulties with relationships, work, school, and finances
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Other mental health conditions
- Lung or heart disease
This article does not contain a full list of complications. However, you can consult with your healthcare professional about ways to reduce the risk of developing them.
How to Diagnose Opioid Use Disorder?
There are no specific tests that can confirm OUD. However, doctors will evaluate your medical history and behaviors around opioid use. They may also perform drug tests and prescription drug monitoring programs. This condition is usually confirmed if you have at least two criteria within 12 months consecutively. These criteria are listed in the DSM-5-TR.
Treatment
In most cases, the treatment for OUP is different among people because it depends on several factors. These include the severity of the condition, overall health, age, and preferences. Usually, doctors recommend medicines for opioid use disorder (MOUD), psychotherapy, and self-help programs.
Medicines for Opioid Use Disorder
There are some medicines that change the brain chemistry to reduce the symptoms of OUD. The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the following medicines as treatment for OUD. For example:
- Methadone – This medicine is used to relieve or prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
- Buprenorphine – It is used to block the effects of opioids and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Naltrexone – This medicine also helps relieve the symptoms and prevent the feeling of euphoria.
Never take the previous medicines without your healthcare professional’s approval because they can cause some unpleasant adverse reactions or may not work properly.
Psychotherapy
While there are multiple types of psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) that can manage OUD, doctors often recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). During this treatment, a mental health professional will help you take a close look at your thoughts and emotions. They will also teach you specific techniques to cope with negative thoughts and behaviors. Furthermore, CBT often helps prevent relapse.
Self-help Programs
Generally, doctors also recommend self-help programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NarcAnon), as a part of OUD treatment. These programs are made to support changes to your behavior and teach you how to regulate your emotions. Check below for other benefits of self-help programs:
- Better understanding your disorder
- Sharing your experiences with other people who also have OUD
- Working on personal improvement and recovery skills
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect if I have an opioid use disorder?
Usually, if OUD is left untreated, it may lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. OUD is a lifelong disorder that requires continuous care to be effective. You should see a doctor if you suspect you may have opioid use disorder. Sometimes, physicians may recommend carrying Naloxone at all times if a loved one is at increased risk of OUD.
What are the most common signs of opioid abuse?
These include:
- Change in friends, hobbies, activities, or sports
- Isolation from friends and family
- Personality changes
- Significant drops in grades or performance at work
- Moodiness, irritability, and nervousness
If you or a loved one has any of the previous symptoms, do not hesitate to see a doctor.
What is the most common treatment for opioid use disorder?
Mostly, doctors prescribe medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It includes FDA-approved medications (such as Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone) and behavioral counseling. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
