Opioid Addiction | Symptoms, Causes and Types

The opioid crisis has left an unimaginable mark on millions of lives across North America, making it one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. Experts across the board have long blamed the overprescription of opioid painkillers as the key factor behind this epidemic. While the UK has not experienced the same scale of destruction, opioid addiction remains a serious issue here, too. Almost half of all drug-related deaths in the UK are caused by opioids, with many other devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities.

Different types of opioid drugs

Here are some of the different types of opioid drugs which can potentially be addictive:

Opiates

These come straight from the opium poppy and include morphine and codeine. They work by sticking to your opioid receptors, dulling pain and giving you a peaceful buzz.

Synthetic opioids

These are made from scratch in labs without using any part of the opium plant. They also stick to those same spots in the brain, but they can be a lot stronger. There are various types of synthetic opioids, including methadone and fentanyl.

Semi-synthetic opioids

These are kind of a mix of natural and synthetic opioid drugs, which include Oxycodone and heroin. To make semi-synthetic opioids, scientists start with natural opium and then change it around in the lab to make new substances.

What causes opioid addiction?

Opioid addiction can start in several ways, including taking prescription medicines for longer or in higher doses than your doctor says, self-medicating with opioid drugs or using them to get high. However, we all have different chances of developing opioid addiction due to our unique mixture of risk factors. These include:

• Your genetics
• Any history of addiction in your family
• Being affected by chronic pain or mental illness
• How easily you can get opioid drugs
• Which opioids you are taking, and how you are taking them
• The environment where you grew up
• A lot of stress in your lives

It is crucial that any doctors who are prescribing opioid drugs discuss these risk factors with their patients to minimise the risk of opioid addiction.

The mental and physical dangers of opioid addiction

There are so many dangers of opioid addiction that even prescription opioid drugs are considered to be among the most dangerous known substances. Some of the most serious opioid addiction symptoms include:

• Opioid overdose: Opioid toxicity varies between different drugs but all carry the risk of opioid overdose. This risk increases enormously with more potent opioid drugs like fentanyl, when you take large doses and when you mix opioids with alcohol or other drugs.
• Mental health struggles: Depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms can all be made worse by opioid drugs. Opioid addiction can also trigger new mental health struggles which can affect individuals long after they stop using opioids.
• Infections: Needle sharing can spread dangerous infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. Opioid abuse and addiction can also increase the likelihood of dangerous sexual behaviour, which is another route of infection.
• Breathing problems: Opioid drugs can make it hard to breathe properly, which might lead to a condition called hypoxia. This means not enough oxygen gets to the brain which can cause serious, long-lasting damage and even death.
• Stomach problems: Long-term opioid use can cause chronic constipation which may lead to serious issues like blockages or tears in your stomach.
• Heart problems: Opioid drugs can also affect your heart, especially if they’re injected, including infections and the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Where can I get help?

If you are struggling with opioid addiction, then get in touch with us. Addiction Helper can help you find the best treatment option for you. Opioid addiction is a dangerous but treatable condition, and the earlier you get professional help, the better your chances of a full and lasting recovery.