Opioid Addiction services offered in Riverside, Colton, Colton and San Bernardino, CA
Opioids are a class of drugs that alter neurotransmitters in the brain to ease pain and elicit feelings of pleasure. These actions make opioids a highly addictive substance. Anyone can develop an opioid addiction. At Inland Empire Behavioral Group in Riverside, California, Khadija Hamisi, PMHNP, and the team of providers treat people struggling with an opioid addiction. To get help, call the office or schedule an appointment online today. Telehealth appointments are available.
Opioid Addiction Q & A
What are opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that ease pain and cause feelings of euphoria. Opioids, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, are prescribed by health care providers for pain control.
Heroin is an illegal opioid.
What is an opioid addiction?
Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder, is a chronic disease that affects your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. With an opioid addiction, you have a powerful and compulsive need to use opioids after their use is no longer medically needed.
Anyone can develop an opioid addiction, even those who take the medication as prescribed.
Your body has its own opioid system that regulates pain, reward, and addictive behaviors. Opioids from outside sources interact with this internal system, triggering a series of chemical reactions that cause feelings of pleasure and pain relief.
When the opioids wear off, you may feel the need to take more to repeat the experience. Over time, your brain becomes dependent on these external opioids, and you need to take more and more to get the same effects.
What are the signs of opioid addiction?
Knowing the signs of an opioid addiction can help you or someone you love get help.
Signs and symptoms of an opioid addiction include:
- Inability to control opioid use
- Strong cravings for the drug
- Attempts to stop using are unsuccessful
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Financial problems
An opioid addiction can lead to an overdose, which is life-threatening. Taking high doses of opioids causes your breathing to slow down or stop, leading to unconsciousness and death if not immediately treated.
How is an opioid addiction treated?
Your provider at Inland Empire Behavral Group may provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. MAT is a comprehensive treatment that includes medications and therapy.
Medication
At Inland Empire Behavioral Group, their providers use Suboxone® as part of MAT. Suboxone is a prescription medication for the treatment of opioid addiction. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for you to abstain from drug use.
Therapy
The staff may also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you understand how thoughts and behaviors fuel your addiction. She then teaches you how to change your thoughts and behaviors to support your recovery.
Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that needs ongoing medical care and support. Call Inland Empire Behavioral Group or schedule an appointment online to get help today.