Opioid addiction has long been a significant public health challenge, but progress is being made to help those affected by opioid addiction—known medically as opioid use disorder (OUD)—overcome this chronic condition. Like other substance use disorders, OUD is a chronic brain disease where individuals continue to use opioids despite the harm caused by their use. In 2019, 1.6 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with OUD, and in 2018, nearly 50,000 people—approximately 130 per day—died from opioid overdoses.

Beyond these staggering statistics, opioid misuse disrupts lives, strains relationships, harms work or school performance, and leads to serious health and legal consequences. Although OUD is a long-term condition, it is treatable. Effective treatment combines medications and behavioral therapies to help individuals stop using opioids and support them in their recovery.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include both naturally occurring (opiates) and synthetic substances. These drugs are commonly prescribed to relieve pain following surgery, injury, or chronic conditions such as cancer. Examples of naturally occurring opioids include morphine and codeine, while synthetic opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and methadone. Illicit opioids, such as heroin and illegally manufactured fentanyl, are not prescribed but are often misused.

How Do Opioids Work?

When opioids enter the body, they interact with receptors in the brain, leading to pain relief. However, opioids also activate the brain's reward pathway, causing euphoria—a feeling of well-being and happiness. This activation can make opioids highly addictive for some individuals. Continued use often leads to tolerance, where larger doses are needed to achieve the same effect, and eventually to physical dependence. Over time, individuals may begin using opioids not just for pain relief or to experience euphoria but to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

What Is Opioid Use Disorder?

Opioid use disorder is a chronic disease characterized by the persistent use of opioids despite negative consequences. People with OUD often lose control over their opioid use and may experience severe consequences as a result. OUD is also a relapsing disorder, meaning that even after periods of abstinence, individuals are at risk of returning to opioid use.

Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder

A diagnosis of OUD is made when an individual exhibits at least two of the following signs and symptoms within a 12-month period:

• Physical Dependence: Developing tolerance to opioids, requiring larger quantities for the same effect. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using opioids.
• Loss of Control: Taking opioids in greater quantities or for longer than intended. Inability to quit or reduce opioid use despite wanting to. Spending a lot of time acquiring, using, or recovering from opioids. Feeling compelled to use opioids.
• Consequences: Opioid use interferes with responsibilities at home, work, or school. Continuing use despite problems in relationships or social interactions. Missing important events due to opioid use. Taking opioids in risky situations (e.g., while driving). Continuing use despite physical or mental health problems caused by opioids.

The more symptoms an individual experiences, the more severe their OUD is classified, ranging from mild to severe.

Health Risks Associated with Opioid Use Disorder

OUD increases the risk of injury or death from accidents, especially when using injectable opioids, which also heighten the risk of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis. Overdose is a significant risk, as opioids can slow or stop breathing, leading to death. Other health risks include constipation, nausea, immune suppression, and hormonal imbalances, which can affect libido and menstruation.

Risk Factors for Opioid Use Disorder

Several factors increase the risk of developing OUD:

• Access to opioids.
• Previous exposure to substance use.
• Current or past substance use disorder.
• Family history of substance use disorder.
• Mental health conditions like depression or PTSD.
• History of abuse during childhood.

Medically Managed Withdrawal or 'Detoxification'

Detoxification is the process of eliminating opioids from the body, which can be done under medical supervision, known as 'medically managed withdrawal.' Many people with OUD attempt to stop using opioids on their own, but the withdrawal symptoms—nausea, sweating, anxiety, muscle pain, and more—are often so severe that they relapse.

Medically managed withdrawal involves tapering doses of opioids and using other medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, increasing the likelihood of successful detoxification. However, because OUD is a chronic disease, detoxification alone is not enough; ongoing treatment is necessary to prevent relapse and manage the disorder.

Effective Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

The most effective treatment for OUD involves a combination of medications and behavioral therapies, which can be provided on an outpatient basis, in primary care, or at specialized residential facilities.

Medications:

• Methadone: Blocks the effects of other opioids, controls withdrawal symptoms, and reduces cravings. Available only at licensed treatment centers.
• Buprenorphine: Similar to methadone but can be prescribed by physicians and obtained at a pharmacy. Often combined with naloxone.
• Naltrexone: Blocks opioids from binding to receptors in the brain, preventing the euphoric effects and reducing the likelihood of continued use.

Behavioral Therapy and Counseling:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors related to opioid use.
• Contingency Management: Rewards patients for meeting behavioral goals, such as abstinence.
• Family Counseling: Assists families in understanding and coping with the impact of OUD.
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy: Encourages commitment to recovery.
• Mutual Help Groups: Programs like Narcotics Anonymous offer peer support.

Opioid Use Disorder and Pregnancy

Opioid use during pregnancy affects both the mother and baby, potentially leading to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and other complications. Pregnant women with OUD have better outcomes when receiving medical treatment, such as methadone or buprenorphine, which are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Long-Term Outlook for People with Opioid Use Disorder

OUD is a chronic brain disease, and relapse is common. Untreated OUD often results in social, legal, and health consequences. However, with effective treatment, individuals can manage their disorder and improve their quality of life. Medications can block the effects of opioids and control cravings, while behavioral therapies help individuals learn to cope with and manage their opioid use.

Why Choose Our Louisiana Opiate Addiction Treatment Center?

Our treatment center in Louisiana offers comprehensive care for individuals struggling with opiate addiction. We provide evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs, combining medication, behavioral therapies, and support systems to ensure the best possible outcomes. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use disorder, contact us today to start your journey toward recovery.