The term “opioid epidemic” cannot be understated enough when talking about the crisis facing the U.S. right now. Opioids are now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. Every day, more than 90 Americans die from an opioid overdose. To put that in perspective, more Americans are dying of opioid overdoses each year than were killed during the Vietnam War. For every opioid overdose death that is accounted for, there are numerous others who are still living, but doing so in the difficult cycle of addiction. Fortunately it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Thanks to medical studies and breakthroughs there are a lot of promising opioid treatment options for those struggling with opioid addition. But to understand opioid treatment, it’s important to first understand opioid addiction and how it works.
No One is Immune to Opioid Addiction
No one is immune to opioid addiction. Opioid use disorder (OUD) can happen to anyone, often starting from a place of legitimate medical need. Throughout the past decades, overprescribing has been a major driver of the opioid epidemic; in 2015 alone, 240 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed, equating to one for nearly every adult in America. What frequently begins as a harmless prescription after a surgery or injury can quickly spiral into a powerful, life-altering addiction because of the profound effect opioids have on the brain.
Opioids work by triggering a massive release of endorphins—the brain’s natural neurotransmitters that boost feelings of pleasure and mute pain signals. While effective for short-term pain, this process is a double-edged sword. When taken over time, the body’s natural endorphin production slows down, and a tolerance is built. The person no longer feels “good” or “normal” without the drug. This physical dependence creates a dangerous cycle where, once the prescription runs out or is no longer obtainable, many are forced to seek illicit drugs like heroin to feel normal and avoid the severe sickness of withdrawal. This is not a moral failing; it is a chronic, relapsing medical condition of the brain. Because of this, breaking the cycle requires more than willpower; it requires comprehensive, professional opioid treatment to safely manage withdrawal, address the underlying changes in brain chemistry, and build a foundation for lasting recovery.
Signs of Tolerance or Addiction
Knowing the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder is crucial to helping a friend, loved one, or even yourself find the proper treatment to correct it. Some of the most common red flags of opioid tolerance or addiction are:
- Taking more opioids than prescribed or intended
- Craving opioids
- Complaints of pain, and taking medication for that pain, even long after the symptoms of pain should have subsided
- Spending excessive time trying to obtain opioids or recovering from their effects
- Reducing or giving up other activities for opioid use
- The onset of social and/or relationship problems with the continued use of opioids
- Altering the method of opioid intake (crushing pills to snort, swallow, or inject for a faster effect)
- Withdrawal symptoms when opioids aren’t taken
Opioid Treatment Options for Opioid Use Disorder
Contrary to popular belief and what is often portrayed in the media, stopping opioid use “cold turkey” isn’t just difficult—it can be extremely dangerous. When a dependence or addiction to opioids has been formed, stopping them all at once can result in severe withdrawal side effects and, in some cases, life-threatening complications. This is why abstinence-only methods are often ineffective and unsafe for OUD.
Study after study confirms that Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the safest and most effective standard of care for opioid use disorder. This evidence-based opioid treatment approach is necessary because excessive or extended opioid use fundamentally alters brain function. This often requires indefinite or even lifelong maintenance to manage the chronic nature of the disease.
This form of professional opioid treatment utilizes specific, FDA-approved prescriptions like Buprenorphine (Suboxone) and Naltrexone to stabilize brain chemistry. These medications are expertly formulated to help patients deal with the unpleasantness of withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine, for example, interacts with the same receptors in the brain as other opioids but does not produce a “high.” This action effectively eases drug cravings and prevents withdrawal, allowing the individual to engage in therapy and rebuild their life.
Why Medication Assisted Treatment Works
Addiction recovery is difficult. Relapse is almost an expected part of the process, and anyone attempting recovery is at high risk for it. This becomes problematic, however, when patients have only received psychological support in abstinence-oriented rehab programs. When relapse occurs, it’s often deadly.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) promotes stability and sustainability during recovery and has shown to dramatically reduce opioid overdose death rates.
Along with decreased opioid-related overdose deaths, MAT has also shown to:
- Decrease criminal activity
- Decrease infection disease transmission
- Increase social functioning and retention in treatment
- Improve the outcomes for babies of opioid-dependent pregnant women
Nearly every expert panel and review from organizations like the Institute of Medicine, World Health Organization, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy consider Medication Assisted Treatment the best possible option for opioid recovery.
Beyond MAT
While treatment for opioid addiction with the assistance of medication is a key for success, medications alone won’t help someone stay sober. A supervised recovery environment, psychological help, and a strong support system all play a crucial role in opioid addiction recovery. Medications can help treat the symptoms of opioid use disorder and withdrawal, but psychological support is important to treat the root cause of the addiction.
With the right tools and professional help, recovery from opioid dependence or addiction is possible. If you or your loved one are ready to work toward sobriety, contact New Choices today to learn about the solutions we offer.
Related: Types of Addiction