opioid dependence
Opioid Use Disorder
Do you have a problem with pain medications?
If so, you are not alone. In 2010 there were reportedly as many as 2.4 million people in the US with an opioid problem1. The majority of opioids used in the US originate from a legal doctor’s prescription, written to treat pain. There are many different types of prescription opioids (eg: oxycontin, percocet, opana), but there are also “street” opioids (eg: heroin) that are not prescribed by a doctor. Opioids are commonly taken orally in pill form but are also snorted and injected intravenously for faster action.
Why is it so difficult to stop using pain pills or other opioids?
If you have used pain pills or other opioids for extended periods of time, your body becomes dependent on the opioids. When you stop using the opioids, your body will start to go through withdrawal and you will start to feel physically sick. Normally withdrawal starts about 24-48 hours after your last opiate use and common symptoms of withdrawal are fatigue, irritability, aches or chills, diarrhea, and insomnia. Opioid withdrawal is not fatal but it can make you extremely sick for days to weeks, and you may be unable to function and home, school, or work. For many people, when they start to feel sick they start to feel desperate and will take opioids just to feel physically better and function again.
What is the difference between opiate dependence, abuse, and addiction?
Opioid dependence is defined as 3 or more of the following in 12 month period:
Characteristic withdrawal symptoms; substance taken to relieve withdrawal
Substance taken in larger amount and for longer period than intended
Persistent desire or repeated unsuccessful attempt to quit
Much time/activity to obtain, use, recover
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced
Use continues despite knowledge of adverse consequences (e.g., failure to fulfill role obligation, use when physically hazardous)
Opioid abuse is defined as one or more in 12 month period:
Recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligation at work, home or school
Recurrent use in physically hazardous situations
Recurrent substance related legal problems
Opioid addiction is a more complicated term. Most people use it to describe the psychological state of cravings to use opioids and the behaviors the result from opioid abuse or dependence.