What is Opioid Use Disorder?
At its core, an addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease born from the interactions between a person’s brain, their genetics, their environment, and their lived experiences (American Society of Addiction Medicine). Opioid Use Disorder, or OUD, is a problematic pattern of opioid use — one that can lead to addiction. And given the highly addictive nature of these drugs, OUD often ends in dependency.
Though used interchangeably, opiates and opioids refer to slightly different things. The former are naturally occurring substances derived from the opium poppy; the latter are synthetic drugs. Both function as painkillers, and both can lead to addiction if used improperly.
Morphine
First isolated in 1804, this opiate was employed in hospitals and on battlefields as an analgesic. Nowadays, it’s mainly used to create other opioids. Side effects of morphine abuse include dizziness, euphoria, and hypoventilation.
Codeine
Though weaker than morphine, this opiate is the most widely used in the world, prescribed to reduce pain, suppress coughs, and treat diarrhea. Side effects of codeine abuse include drowsiness, itching, and miosis.
Heroin
Derived from morphine and originally intended for medicinal use, heroin is considered both an opiate and an opioid — and is incredibly addictive. Side effects of heroin abuse include dry mouth, flushed skin, and slowed breathing.
Oxycodone and Hydrocodone
Similar in chemical structure and potency, these opioids both help relieve moderate-to-severe pain. Side effects of oxycodone and hydrocodone abuse include facial swelling, irregular heartbeat, and nausea.
Prescription Drug Recovery TreatmentFentanyl
A fully synthetic drug up to 100 times stronger than morphine, this opioid has spearheaded the United States’ overdose epidemic. Side effects of fentanyl abuse include vomiting, constipation, and general weakness.
The Apex Recovery Approach to Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
We prioritize long-term recovery for opioid use — same as with any of our drug treatment programs — and that begins with human interaction. All patients meet with one of our experts to develop a personalized opiate recovery plan that takes into account their goals, challenges, and circumstances. Then, we implement a range of evidence-based therapies: dual-diagnosis care, medication assisted treatment (MAT) support, and more. The time it takes to heal is how long our programs last; Apex Recovery in San Diego, CA will never rush a patient through care.
“Am I addicted to opioids?”
If you’re asking yourself this question, or are worried about a loved one, reach out to our addiction specialists in San Diego, CA, at Apex Recovery. Our dedicated professionals are waiting to help and connect you to the care you might need.
What Others are Saying About Apex Recovery
Dark as things may seem, hope exists for those struggling with addiction. Our San Diego opioid treatment programs have helped dozens of individuals get, and stay, clean — these are some of the stories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Besides cravings and the physical symptoms touched on earlier, consider the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s criteria. Are you withdrawing from other activities due to your use? Do you want to cut down on your opioid intake, but can’t find a way to do so? Are you suffering negative consequences at work, school, or in your personal life? All of these might indicate OUD.
Consider seeking San Diego outpatient opiate treatment. Compared to in-house programs, these offer a similar level of care — with one key difference. Instead of staying day-in, day-out at a hospital, patients can fit their therapy into their existing schedules. By sticking to their personal and professional commitments, they can immediately put the skills they learn in rehab to the test while still receiving vital daily treatment.
In addition to dual-diagnosis care for opiate users, withdrawal management as needed, and more, Apex Recovery works with patients to build a robust after-care plan. Between continuing care and an ample support network, we can give our charges the best chance at sustainable sobriety.
Beat Opioid Addiction Once and for All
When battling opiate use disorder, it helps to have allies on your side. The addiction rehab specialists at Apex Recovery is ready and willing to support you — make the first move and have a judgment-free conversation with one of our experts.
Call Apex Recovery Today