Opioid Research Paper
Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids are substances that relieve pain by binding to pain receptors in your brain and spinal cord. Opioids include illegal drugs, such as heroin, as well as prescription pain medicines.
Opioid use disorder is when you take opioids for nonmedical reasons even though taking them hurts your health and well-being. The condition can cause mental and physical problems, and it often disrupts life at home, work, or school. The condition also increases your risk of suicide and death from overdose.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by taking opioids repeatedly over time. Many people develop this condition because they like the way they feel when they take opioids or because they get addicted to them.
RISK FACTORS
This condition …show more content…
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
Taking greater amounts of an opioid than you want to.
Taking an opioid for longer than you want to.
Trying several times to take less of an opioid or to control your opioid use.
Spending a a lot of time getting opioids, using them, or recovering from their effects.
Craving an opioid.
Having problems at work, at school, or at home because of opioid use.
Having problems in relationships due to opioid use.
Giving up or cutting down on important life activities because of opioid use.
Using opioids when it is dangerous, such as when driving a car.
Continuing to use an opioid even though it is causing or has led to a physical problem, such as:
Severe constipation.
Poor nutrition.
Infertility.
Tuberculosis.
Aspiration pneumonia.
An infection, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis.
Continuing to use an opioid even though it is causing a mental problem, such as:
Depression.
Anxiety.
Hallucinations.
Sleep problems.
Loss of interest in …show more content…
If you have four to five symptoms, your condition is moderate.
If you have six ore more symptoms, your condition is severe.
Your health care provider may perform a physical exam or do lab tests to see if you have physical problems resulting from opioid use. Your health care provider may also screen for drug use and refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition is usually provided by mental health professionals with training in substance use disorders. It may involve:
Detoxification. This is the first step in treatment. It involves taking medicines to help lessen withdrawal symptoms.
Counseling. This treatment is also called talk therapy. It is provided by substance use treatment counselors. It addresses the reasons people use opioids and ways to keep you from using opioids again. The goals of talk therapy are to:
Find healthy activities and ways to cope with stress.
Identify and avoid what triggers opioid use.
Learn how to handle cravings.
Support groups. Support groups are run by people who have quit using opioids. They provide emotional support, advice, and
Opioids are substances that relieve pain by binding to pain receptors in your brain and spinal cord. Opioids include illegal drugs, such as heroin, as well as prescription pain medicines.
Opioid use disorder is when you take opioids for nonmedical reasons even though taking them hurts your health and well-being. The condition can cause mental and physical problems, and it often disrupts life at home, work, or school. The condition also increases your risk of suicide and death from overdose.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by taking opioids repeatedly over time. Many people develop this condition because they like the way they feel when they take opioids or because they get addicted to them.
RISK FACTORS
This condition …show more content…
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
Taking greater amounts of an opioid than you want to.
Taking an opioid for longer than you want to.
Trying several times to take less of an opioid or to control your opioid use.
Spending a a lot of time getting opioids, using them, or recovering from their effects.
Craving an opioid.
Having problems at work, at school, or at home because of opioid use.
Having problems in relationships due to opioid use.
Giving up or cutting down on important life activities because of opioid use.
Using opioids when it is dangerous, such as when driving a car.
Continuing to use an opioid even though it is causing or has led to a physical problem, such as:
Severe constipation.
Poor nutrition.
Infertility.
Tuberculosis.
Aspiration pneumonia.
An infection, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis.
Continuing to use an opioid even though it is causing a mental problem, such as:
Depression.
Anxiety.
Hallucinations.
Sleep problems.
Loss of interest in …show more content…
If you have four to five symptoms, your condition is moderate.
If you have six ore more symptoms, your condition is severe.
Your health care provider may perform a physical exam or do lab tests to see if you have physical problems resulting from opioid use. Your health care provider may also screen for drug use and refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition is usually provided by mental health professionals with training in substance use disorders. It may involve:
Detoxification. This is the first step in treatment. It involves taking medicines to help lessen withdrawal symptoms.
Counseling. This treatment is also called talk therapy. It is provided by substance use treatment counselors. It addresses the reasons people use opioids and ways to keep you from using opioids again. The goals of talk therapy are to:
Find healthy activities and ways to cope with stress.
Identify and avoid what triggers opioid use.
Learn how to handle cravings.
Support groups. Support groups are run by people who have quit using opioids. They provide emotional support, advice, and