Opioid addiction and abuse isn’t some far-off problem anymore—it’s a crisis many are facing right now. You’ve probably heard the stories—overdose deaths climbing, families falling apart, and healthcare systems struggling to keep up.
The opioid crisis in the news is not just another number in endless statistics. We all connect with it, whether we realize it or not.
People often do not realize that the harm goes beyond losing a life. It affects the social web, including family, friends, and the whole community. The ripple effect is somewhat more extensive than anyone could fathom.
Some types of opioids, like morphine, are obtained straight from the opium poppy plant, whereas some, like fentanyl, are made in a lab. Some of the other famous ones include codeine and hydrocodone.
Not all natural or synthetic opioids are, however, safe. There are many forms of opioids, but they all have one characteristic: they are dangerously strong. They are all brain-damaging and habit-forming, which helps to explain their high addiction potential.
Health practitioners often prescribe opioids to help relieve severe pain. This pain can come from sports injuries, surgery, or chronic illnesses like cancer. They are also prescribed to ease a cough in some instances and to address diarrhea.
NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) recently shared some troubling statistics about opioids and other drugs. In 2019, there were 49,860 deaths from opioid overdoses. By 2022, this number rose to 81,806.
Prescription opiates are also contributing to this issue and are taking a toll on human lives. The mortality rate associated with these substances alone rose dramatically from 3,442 in 1999 to 17,029 in 2017.
Between 2017 and 2019, however, the figures decreased, although negligibly. The year 2020 reported another rise with 16,416 fatalities. In 2022, the numbers were a bit lower at 14,716 in the United States.
The country is still fighting against fentanyl. This drug has caused more overdose deaths since it became common in 2014. It’s a health conscripting concern that keeps escalating—and must be remedied fast!
Opioid use disorder (OUD) or opioid addiction happens when a person keeps using opioids. This continues even when they know it is harmful. Many people think that opioids are just the powerful pain-killing medications that a doctor may prescribe.
It is much more complicated than that. Many of these substances, even the ones approved for medical use, are not completely safe. They can lead to a serious substance use disorder and get out of control.
Even if you take a prescription opioid exactly as your doctor says, you can still risk addiction. It’s a tricky situation.
The world of illegal drugs is even more dangerous when it comes to addiction. Heroin has long been a menace, but what’s even more alarming now is the surge of illicit fentanyl. This dangerous drug is spreading through communities fast, and the damage it’s causing is getting harder and harder to stop. The impact is far-reaching—overdoses are rising and entire neighborhoods are feeling the toll.
Opioids engage some of the most active areas in your brain that produce pleasure. The brain releases endorphins—the body’s natural “happiness factor”—when it detects the presence of opioids. The rush of endorphins makes one feel good and helps reduce pain.
It has two main effects. First, it reduces discomfort. Second, it improves mood.
This is why opioids work well for managing pain. But as pleasurable as it is, you must remember that these benefits are not without drawbacks.
There’s a fine line between pain relief and abuse of opioids. Misuse or overuse of any opioid will lead to a quick escalating cycle of dependence. It reaches a point where you want more and more, especially due to the relief from pain and the pleasure that comes along with it.
At first, it was a drug that helped you get through each day. Over time, both your body and mind became dependent on it to function properly.
The impact of addiction on a person’s daily life is enormous—it transforms in the worst imaginable ways. Addiction does not discriminate; it harms everyone, even children, teens, and the old.
However, everyone’s journey to addiction is unique. A variety of things influence how someone develops an addiction, including their environment, genes, and even their mental health. Understanding these forces might be the first step toward achieving freedom.
Research shows that genetics greatly affect the opioid, alcohol, and drug problems in our country today. Some people have a stronger genetic tendency to misuse substances like opioids. This can eventually lead to addiction.
Some genes can enhance the brain’s reaction to drugs, which might make it simpler for addiction to develop. This likelihood seems to be closely linked to the brain’s wiring and how it works.
Family history is very important. Children or close relatives of an addicted parent are more likely to face similar issues.
The surroundings one is raised in have a significant influence on the likelihood of becoming an opiate abuser. For some people, experiences like childhood abuse and growing up around drug use can increase the risk of addiction.
Being raised in a poor environment can also lead to problems with opioids, alcohol, or other drugs. A child raised in a family that accepts drug use may not just see it. They may view it as a normal part of life.
Peer pressure and community values can greatly affect how a person sees drugs. They also influence how likely someone is to use them.
It’s not only about personal choices. It’s also about the world around them. It includes the messages they grew up with. It involves what they were taught to accept as normal.
Psychiatric disorders and alcohol and drug addiction are almost always co-morbid. If you have been battling with opioid addiction for a while, chances are that there is an underlying problem. You might not notice that it could be caused by emotional distress.
This distress may come from clinical depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. For many people, opioids are a way to cope. They provide an escape from feelings or memories that are too hard to face.
It’s not just about the drugs. It’s about needing to protect yourself from deep pain, even if only for a short time.
The issue is that this quick fix only makes everything worse later on. Eventually, the pain returns even stronger, and it gets harder to escape the cycle. What starts as a way to ease the hurt slowly becomes what keeps you trapped in a deeper struggle.
Early intervention begins with recognizing the signs of opioid addiction—knowing what to look for when someone is struggling. The symptoms can differ from person to person, but there are a few common ones you can usually spot. You can observe signs of addiction in how a person acts or in their physical appearance. How strong these symptoms are profoundly depends on how bad the addiction is and the unique situation of each person.
There are plenty of signs to watch for, and the physical ones are usually the easiest to notice.
When a person starts acting differently, it can be one of the first hints that they’re likely going down a risky road. You might see these changes in their everyday habits, what they pay attention to, and who they choose to be around. The way they interact with the world, their priorities, and their relationships can show the effects of addiction. These effects often appear in subtle but clear ways.
We know that cost is a major factor for most people when seeking treatment for drug & alcohol abuse in Virginia. Novara Recovery Center works with most major insurance plans to help cover up to 100% of the costs associated with treatment at our program. To find out your personal options for treatment, get a free verification of insurance benefits right now by clicking the button below.
When it comes to diagnosing opioid misuse, a healthcare professional or mental health specialist will conduct a thorough assessment. This process usually includes a full medical exam to see the physical effects. It also has a mental health check-up to understand a person’s feelings and thoughts. The criteria from The DSM-5, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, are also reviewed.
The criteria for diagnosing milder or moderate opioid use disorder are time-bound and follow particular restrictions. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you are probably at risk of being diagnosed with this illness.
Managing and treating opioid use disorder needs a good balance of medication, therapy, and support from family and friends. But here’s the thing: no single solution works for everyone. When you enter rehab, they will devise a treatment plan, particularly for you, because everyone’s path to recovery differs.
Remember that rehabilitation takes time. It’s frequently a lengthy and winding route that includes accomplishments and setbacks.
If you meet a stumbling block, don’t give up. This means you might need to rethink your strategy or try different ways to cope. You have not failed yet. The good news is that no matter what occurs, there will always be hope and light at the end of the tunnel.
Using Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be helpful, especially when a person’s opioid use disorder is more severe. It mostly starts the process of recovery.
Meds assist in easing withdrawal discomfort that is linked with the cessation of using drugs. The FDA has approved three medications for MAT treatments. These are buprenorphine (like Suboxone), methadone, and Vivitrol (extended-release naltrexone).
Think of MAT as a tool to help your body and mind recover. It allows you to focus on the deeper emotional and psychological aspects of addiction.
The meds alone aren’t the magic fix. Drugs help control the physical parts of the illness, like cravings and withdrawal. However, the real progress happens when they are used with group and individual therapy.
All behavioral therapies focus on the emotional and mental parts of your opioid use disorder. Recovery isn’t just about dealing with the physical struggles of cravings and withdrawal. It’s also about understanding the deeper reasons behind why someone started using drugs in the first place. There are numerous techniques to this, including:
These therapies help you focus away from addiction. They teach you new, healthy coping skills. They also support you in managing withdrawal symptoms. Behavioral therapy aims to change the way that you think as well as equip you with the necessary tools to help you remain sober.
In a support group such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), individuals in recovery from addiction find a sense of community. Support groups like these offer a place to share your problems.
You can also hear other people’s stories. This helps you gain the mental strength needed to heal from addiction. This is about meeting people who understand how you feel. It is also about finding strength in the experiences of others.
Misusing opioids comes with a whole host of severe health problems, affecting both your body and your mind. Among the most serious of these are:
One solution alone cannot solve the opioid problem. We need many methods to address the issue from all sides.
First off, doctors and other licensed professionals need to cut back on how often they give out opioids. They should only prescribe them when it’s really necessary.
Prescribe only the amount of pain medication that’s actually needed. If you anticipate 3 days of intense pain, only prescribe enough for those 3 days. For short-term pain (less than 5 days), opioids are not always needed. Other options can often help manage the pain.
The growing issue of opioid use disorder can be tackled by promoting accessible treatments. We also need to educate people about the dangers of these drugs to their health.
We need to support treatment options. We should also raise awareness about the effects of opioids. This way, we can better help those who are struggling with addiction.
The importance of educative and preventative efforts in schools, workplaces, and communities cannot be overstated. These efforts will do more than inform. They will encourage active engagement.
They will help identify people at risk. They will also urge everyone to watch for signs that someone may need help. The sooner we begin, the less probable addiction will develop in the first place. Ultimately, it is about establishing an environment where understanding and assistance are always available, even before a crisis occurs.
It must never be just about reacting to problems but also about preventing them from ever getting that far.
It’s quite common to feel alone and demotivated when grappling with opioid use disorder. The strong urge linked to those substances can feel so overwhelming that breaking the cycle seems impossible.
We understand why you feel trapped in that vicious cycle with no way out. However, you don’t have to go through this alone. At Novara Recovery Center, we know your situation is tough. We are here to help you become strong again.
We provide the support, encouragement, and knowledge that people with alcohol and drug problems need to move forward. Contact us today to learn about our treatment program for opioid use disorder. Find out how you can start your recovery journey. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
Written By:
Mental Health Writer
Geoffrey Andaria is a seasoned writer and editor specializing in mental health content. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, he possesses a solid foundation in crafting freelance articles and conducting research. Geoffrey has also completed courses in social work. He dedicates himself to providing valuable and informative content for individuals impacted by mental health challenges and addiction.
Medically Reviewed By:
Expert Contributor
Dr. Williams is currently a board member for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He possesses a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a license to offer addiction counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut. Additionally, he has submitted an application to become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey.
