Opioid compounds are primarily prepared from poppy seeds and include certain synthetic or semisynthetic compounds which can excite the opioid centers of the brain. These compounds are mainly used to lessen pain from an injury – for example; morphine is often administered to car accident victims with severe wounds.
However, opioid compounds are often used without any prescription – which ultimately gives rise to opioid addiction. To completely get rid of the harmful habit, one needs physical and mental assistance. You can admit the patient to the best substance abuse treatment center for long-lasting treatment.
The medical reason
Opioid compounds are used as a pain-reliever in many cases – for example, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, Fentanyl, codeine, methadone – all are opioid compounds. Interestingly, once considered as the drug of the upper class – heroin also falls under this class. It works by reducing the number of pain signals the body sends to the brain –ultimately taking hold of the brain function and developing into an addiction.
Opioid compounds also generate a feeling of euphoria in the brain and a feeling of breathlessness. Overdose of opioids can lead to breathing difficulty and death by asphyxiation. If someone continues the use of these compounds for non-medical purposes will lead to dependence.
The symptoms of opioid overdose
Opioid dependence has three severe consequences which worsen the effects of this addiction. The patient starts to lose control over opioids, ignoring other necessary activities to use these compounds, and keep using them even after knowing the negative effects. Proper counseling and preventive medication can solve the problems. Incidentally, the primary symptoms of opioid addiction are just three in number:
- Pinpointed pupils
- Unconsciousness
- Difficulty in breathing
The symptoms of the overdose of heroin – another opioid compound – can be listed as:
- No reaction after a recurring stimulus
- Slow, jagged breathing, or absence of inhalation
- Inconsistent or no pulse
- Vomiting
- Passing out
Once an addict suffers an overdose, it is better to take them to an emergency room for crisis treatment. After that, they should admit themselves to a reputable heroin addiction treatment center for long-term treatment.
Getting proper treatment
Opioid overdose is the result of the preceding addiction – so, to get rid of the condition, the patient would need to curd the addiction first. This target would need extensive empathic counseling and care of the body. At the most recommended Opioid Treatment Center in Rhode Island, the patient would receive the optimum care and counseling, and new-age medicine to fight this addiction.
If you know someone is trying to get free from the clutches of this condition, contact the appropriate department of the most sought-after de-addiction clinic.
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