Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder, occurs when the compulsion to use these drugs becomes overpowering despite the harmful consequences.

Opioids, whether prescription medications or illicit drugs like heroin, interact with the brain’s reward system. They stimulate a surge of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, which can lead individuals to chase that same “high” repeatedly.

Regular opioid use can then decrease the brain’s ability to produce dopamine naturally, leading to a state where the individual feels unable to experience any pleasure at all without opioids. This process, known as tolerance, means that more opioids are needed to get high or sedate yourself, escalating the cycle of use.

As dependency grows, the body becomes physically reliant on opioids to function normally. Withdrawal symptoms – such as nausea, sweating, anxiety and intense cravings – can be severe and drive continued use, making it difficult and scary to quit.

There is also a powerful psychological aspect to opioid addiction. High-achieving individuals and busy professionals, in particular, may begin to rely on opioids to cope with the pressures of their demanding lives, inadvertently falling into a cycle of opioid abuse and addiction.

Chronic pain

For those suffering from chronic pain, opioids can seem like a necessary lifeline. However, the need for ongoing relief can lead to long-term use, resulting in physical dependency and the onset of opioid addiction.

Social and environmental factors

Stressful environments, trauma and lack of social support have long been understood to increase the likelihood of opioid abuse and addiction. For example, a high-stress job or demanding lifestyle can drive individuals to use opioids as a coping mechanism.

Genetic predisposition

Some individuals are genetically more susceptible to addiction, making them more likely to develop a dependence on opioids compared to others. This is why doctors should always discuss family history with patients before prescribing opioids.

Accessibility

Easy access to opioids, whether through a genuine prescription or via illegal means, can make opioid abuse and the development of opioid addiction more likely.

Opioid overdose

Opioid overdose is a serious and often lethal medical emergency. It usually occurs due to large doses of opioids or from the mixing of opioids with alcohol and other sedatives.

Mental health issues

Opioid addiction can create new mental health conditions and worse existing ones. These issues can persist even after addressing the physical dependency and require targeted therapy.

The risk of transmittable infections

The injection of opioids can carry a risk of contracting an infectious disease like Hepatitis C or HIV. This can also result from risky sex while under the influence of opioids.

Respiratory conditions

Opioids can dramatically slow breathing and cause hypoxia, where the brain receives insufficient oxygen. This can result in serious issues, including permanent brain injury.

Gastrointestinal problems

Long-term opioid use can cause severe constipation, potentially leading to bowel obstruction or perforation if timely treatment isn’t sought.

Cardiovascular problems

Opioid addiction can potentially cause various cardiovascular problems, including an infection of the lining of the heart called endocarditis.

Financial strains

The cost of maintaining an opioid addiction can be substantial, leading to severe financial problems. In the US, many financially successful individuals got into serious debt and even lost their homes due to opioid addiction.

Legal problems

Opioid addiction can lead to various legal issues, including charges for possession or crimes committed to support the need for drugs. The majority of opioids are either Class A or Class B drugs in the UK, with lengthy prison sentences for opioid offences.

At our London Clinic, we understand that each client’s journey through opioid addiction is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet these individual needs. Our customised opioid addiction treatment plans address all facets of addiction to ensure comprehensive and effective care.

The initial step in our drug addiction treatment programme is a medically supervised detox. This phase typically involves a gradual reduction of opioid intake and opioid replacement drugs aimed at minimising withdrawal symptoms and easing the transition to sobriety.

Following detox, our expert therapy team will work alongside you to develop a detailed rehab treatment plan. UKAT London Clinic offers a wide range of therapeutic options, all designed to support holistic healing. These therapies are selected and combined to address each individual’s specific needs and challenges, ensuring a tailored and effective treatment experience.

After the initial treatment phases, UKAT London Clinic offers ongoing therapy, helps with healthy lifestyle changes, and supports network building. These resources promote sustained recovery and will help you transition back to daily life with confidence and resilience.