Opioids are an effective pain medication that treats chronic and severe pain and come with a high rate of misuse and addiction. You should be familiar with the symptoms of an opioid overdose if you or someone you care for is taking OxyContin, Vicodin, or other prescription opioids. While these medications are safe to take when you follow the prescription, it is a common practice for people to take more than prescribed to feel the euphoric effects.
Evoke Wellness at Waltham is a full-service addiction treatment center that supports individuals with opioid use disorder. Our state-of-the-art treatment center utilizes a wide range of behavioral and holistic therapies along with medical support to ease opioid withdrawals and cravings. Patients will participate in group and private therapy sessions where they learn all about the dangers of addiction and develop new coping skills for building a sober lifestyle. Call us at 866.276.1920 to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment in Waltham, MA.
Why Are Opioids Dangerous?
Opioids are natural pain relievers made from the poppy plant Papaver somniferum. It is the active ingredient in morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and illegal drugs like heroin. When taken as prescribed, it eases pain and causes drowsiness, slowed breathing, constipation, and euphoria. In high doses, opioids can cause unconsciousness, respiratory failure, coma, and death.
One of the main reasons opioids are so dangerous is they create a chemical dependence on the drug. When you take opioids, it causes a massive release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical that is responsible for feelings of happiness and elation. The chemically-induced euphoria is very intoxicating for many people, especially those who experience depression or anxiety on a regular basis.
If you misuse your prescription opioids and can no longer fill the prescription, the chances of switching to heroin, street fentanyl, or other illegal drugs increase as withdrawals and cravings intensify. The only way to stop these cravings is by taking more drugs or enrolling in an opioid addiction treatment program.
Evoke Wellness at Waltham delivers comprehensive opioid addiction treatment programs for Massachusetts residents who need help breaking their addiction. We use a combination of medication and behavioral therapies to treat all aspects of the disorder and teach patients healthy ways of staying sober.
Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose
Opioids are a very potent pain reliever that can cause an overdose and death in large enough quantities. Those who take illegal opioids are at a higher risk of an overdose due to the fact that there is no easy way of telling the potency of each pill. In some cases, one pill can be enough to cause an overdose.
If you or a loved one are taking opioids, you should familiarize yourself with the symptoms of an opioid overdose. These include:
- Their skin is cold and clammy to the touch
- Fingertips and lips begin turning blue
- They have pinpoint or constricted pupils
- They are unable to wake up, even when shaking them or yelling at them
- They make choking or gurgling sounds
- Their body is limp
If someone experiences an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer Narcan if you have it.
What Is Narcan?
Narcan is the brand name for the drug naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It binds with opioid receptors and immediately blocks the effects of opioids and can restore normal breathing if it has stopped.
Narcan is available as an injection or a nasal spray and is typically given to anyone with an opioid prescription.
Call Evoke Wellness at Waltham to Start Your Recovery with Opioid Addiction Treatment in Waltham, MA
Evoke Wellness at Waltham understands the dangers of opioid addiction and works closely with each patient to stop the misuse once and for all. On your first day, we will run a full health assessment to determine the best course of action for treating the addiction and building new coping skills. We use a number of different therapies in our programs, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing (MI), yoga therapy, meditation therapy, nutrition education, and family counseling.
To see if our treatment center is right for you or a loved one, call 866.276.1920 today or contact us online to schedule a tour and meet our dedicated team.
