Symptoms of Opioid Dependence

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Opioid Dependence and Addiction

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is a chronic and often relapsing disease of the brain that causes uncontrollable drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted person and to those people around them.

The initial choice to take drugs is typically voluntary, but the brain changes that happen over time with drug use tamper with your ability to resist the intense impulses and cravings associated with opioid use.

When an opioid addiction forms, people are dependent on the drug. A dependency forms when the body has become used to the presence of the drug and grows to depend on the chemicals to function. Once a person stops taking opioids after developing an addiction, they go through opioid withdrawal. Going through opioid withdrawal can be painful and stressful. Some people resume opioid use to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid addiction and dependency are difficult to overcome. When you decide to stop using opioids, you will have greater success in your recovery when you get help from an opiate addiction treatment program.

Symptoms of Opioid Dependence

Someone who is dependent on opioids will experience a negative reaction when they stop using them or do not have their regular dose.

According to the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, when opioids are not present in a person’s body after they develop tolerance or dependence on the drug, they will not suppress the brain cells that they normally do. When this happens, the neurons in a person’s brain release excessive amounts of noradrenaline, which triggers jitters, anxiety, muscle cramps, and diarrhea.

A diagnosis of opioid dependency depends on experiencing three of five criteria. Below is a list of these five symptoms. 

1. Feeling anxious: If a person begins to sweat and feel anxious when they are coming down from an opioid high or when they do not have any more of the drug in their body, they may be dependent on the drug.

2. Rapid mood swings: A person dependent on opioids may have rapid mood swings when there is not enough of the drug in their body or when they do not have any more of it.

3. Fatigue: A person who is dependent on opioids will feel tired and possibly depressed when they do not have opioids in their system.

4. Nausea/vomiting: If a person is nauseated or vomiting when they are not taking opioids, then they have a dependence on the drug.

5. Muscle aches: If a person’s body is sore all over when they are not high on opioids, then they may be developing a dependency on the drug.

Treatment Options for Opioid Dependence

Opioid dependence can be difficult to manage without professional support, but effective treatment options are available. Treatment programs are designed to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, and support long-term recovery. The right level of care will depend on factors such as the severity of dependence, overall health, and previous treatment history.

Many treatment programs use a combination of medical care, counseling, and behavioral support. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the most widely used approaches for opioid dependence. Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can help stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and lower the risk of relapse when used under medical supervision.

In addition to medication, counseling and therapy can help individuals understand the patterns that contribute to substance use and develop healthier coping strategies. Support services, including peer support groups and aftercare planning, can also play an important role in maintaining recovery after treatment ends.

Seeking help early can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of serious health complications related to opioid use.

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