Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a sinister, dangerous disease. But for many, it often begins innocently enough. If you’ve ever been involved in an accident or prescribed painkillers after surgery, you might already recognize the powerful allure these drugs can have. While most people have no trouble quitting once their prescription runs out, others begin to rely on them to function or feel at ease. And with no more refills, they may look for more or turn to heroin to get by.

Unfortunately, this scenario has become common as doctors prescribe more opioids each year. It is estimated that 9 percent of the population in the United States will misuse opioids over the course of their life, which includes both prescription medications and illicit drugs like heroin. As the number of people abusing opioids rises, so do opioid-related overdoses and other medical emergencies. Since opioid abuse can quickly spiral out of control and become life-threatening, it’s crucial to seek help for opioid addiction as soon as possible.

When opioid recovery is needed, Avalon Malibu offers the most comprehensive care at the Cottage House, a comfortable, home-like residential treatment facility that provides the perfect environment for healing the body and mind. Our licensed therapists and physicians support clients as they quietly retreat to confront their addiction and overcome withdrawal safely, achieving freedom from the physical effects and dependencies of opioids.

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of narcotic drugs that are highly addicting. Either made from the poppy plant or created in a laboratory, opioids come in many forms and include prescription painkillers like Vicodin, OxyContin and Dilaudid, as well as naturally-derived opiates like codeine, morphine or opium. Illicit drugs like heroin are also included in this group.

The journey from plant to pharmaceutical is a long one that begins with harvesting opium from the pods of the poppy flower. The opium is dried and processed before being sold to drug companies, which purify the raw product to extract morphine and other narcotic opium alkaloids. In medicine, opioid is an umbrella term that refers to all opioid drugs, while opiate describes those derived naturally from the opium poppy plant.

Opioid Addiction

Opioids act as a depressant in the central nervous system and bind to opioid receptors in the brain. When used medically, opioids effectively relieve acute and chronic pain but can produce a strong, euphoric high in larger doses. Opioids also slow breathing and heart rate, which can be fatal in even small amounts and lead to an overdose. With long-term use, opioids lead to physical dependence by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. When opioid levels fall too low, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms appear that make it hard for someone to stop using opioids even if it’s in their best interest to do so. Without professional help, most individuals will keep using opioids in order to feel normal and avoid withdrawal, perpetuating the cycle of addiction and dependence.