Caught in the Cycle
When someone becomes addicted to opioids, their body and brain start to rely on the drug to feel normal. To help, there's BRIXADI, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder by helping reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
1. Cravings
One of the first signs of addiction is craving opioids. People may feel a strong urge to use the drug, even when they don’t need it for pain relief.
2. Taking more than prescribed
Someone addicted to opioids might take higher doses than their doctor prescribed. They may also take the drug more often than needed.
3. Changes in behavior
Opioid addiction can lead to mood swings, irritability or being unusually happy or sad. People may become secretive, lie about their use or isolate themselves from friends and family.
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4. Drowsiness or lack of energy
Opioid use often causes people to feel very sleepy or tired. They may struggle to stay awake, even during the day.
5. Poor concentration
People addicted to opioids may have trouble focusing. They might forget things or have difficulty making decisions.
6. Physical symptoms
Opioid addiction can cause physical problems like nausea, constipation and slower breathing. Over time, using opioids can weaken the immune system, making people more likely to get sick.
7. Neglecting responsibilities
When someone is addicted to opioids, they may stop taking care of important things in their life. This could mean missing work or school, not paying bills or ignoring family duties.
8. Withdrawal symptoms
If someone tries to stop using opioids, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like sweating, shaking, muscle pain or anxiety. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and make it hard to quit.
9. Increased tolerance
Over time, someone addicted to opioids might need more of the drug to feel the same effects. This is called tolerance, and it can lead to taking dangerous amounts of the drug.
10. Legal or financial problems
Opioid addiction can lead to risky behavior like stealing or borrowing money to buy drugs. This can result in legal trouble or financial hardship.
Treatments for Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is treatable, and many people recover with the right support. Here are some common treatment options:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Medicines like methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Counseling: Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help people understand and change the thoughts and behaviors related to addiction.
- Support groups: Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer peer support, where people can share their experiences and get encouragement from others in recovery.
- Inpatient or outpatient treatment: Some people may need to stay at a treatment center for a while to recover, while others can receive treatment while living at home.
- BRIXADI: BRIXADI is a long-acting injectable medication used to treat opioid use disorder by delivering a controlled release of buprenorphine, which helps reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms and support recovery efforts over time. It is designed for individuals seeking treatment for opioid addiction and can be administered weekly or monthly as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, it’s important to seek help. With the right treatment, recovery is possible.