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The magnitude of the US opiate epidemic is overwhelming. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in 2016, approximately 63,600 people died from opiate overdoses—a figure that equates to 115 Americans daily—with the number of opiate-related deaths currently five times higher than it was in 1999. Many experts blame the epidemic on the deceptive marketing practices of major pharmaceutical companies in the late 1990s which capitalized on our nation’s unprecedented mental health disorders, chronic stress, and physical pain.
Although many people initially abuse opiates to escape from the debilitating effects of depression, such abuse frequently triggers more depression and creates a vicious circle known as a “bi-directional relationship.” Once hooked into this circle, users require more opiates in higher doses in order to sustain the same fleeting benefits. Any time a user experiences a lapse in between uses, or total cessation, whatever euphoria they temporarily experienced is crushed beneath the black cloud of depression that inevitably accompanies rebound effects. This leads to a crippling pattern that is both difficult to break and impossible to effectively treat without professional intervention.
The US opiate crisis has spiraled out-of-control to the point where strict government regulations and the threat of severe legal penalties for trafficking or undocumented possession are not a sufficient deterrent. In fact, a growing black market continues to thrive using the dark web and other illicit means to sell and mass distribute the euphoria-inducing drugs. To put the magnitude of America’s opiate epidemic into clearer perspective, consider the following statistics gleaned from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
Opiates are chemically engineered to work by binding to opiate receptors located in the brain and throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Over time, this binding process blocks signals that indicate the presence of pain, releasing a surge of dopamine and other “feel good” neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Once physical tolerance has been established—an accelerated process in many users, especially polysubstance abusers or those suffering from chronic pain—increasing dosage and frequency of use are required to maintain the same temporary benefits.
Unfortunately, in addition to the euphoric, pain-relieving qualities opiates for which opiates are prized, they exhibit many destructive effects. Opiates are known for causing multiple physical and especially psychological problems, particularly with long-term use. In addition to their depressant effect on the respiratory system—impairing breathing and dangerously slowing the heart rate—opiates cause rebound depression, the result of a chemical backlash. The brain and CNS, used to artificially elevated levels of neurotransmitters, experiences a painful crash once opiates begin to exit the system. This crash is triggered by impaired brain chemistry stemming from the depletion of dopamine, serotonin, and other vital neurochemicals. Due to the serious and lasting psychological consequences of opiate addiction, the majority of users require professional, medically managed detox and behavioral health treatment.
In many users, opiates become addictive even when taken exactly as prescribed under the care of a licensed physician. In cases where diversion, inordinately high doses, or unauthorized means of ingestion are involved, they may become addictive very quickly. Once someone is addicted, mild withdrawal symptoms may appear in as little as four to six hours following dosage, although moderate symptoms generally take 12 to 24 hours to surface. While the most severe, distressing symptoms typically peak within three to five days, diminishing symptoms may linger for approximately two weeks to one month. During this period, medically managed detox is of critical importance as the user is most psychologically fragile, physically agitated, and prone to depression.
The primary goal of medically managed opiate detox is to prevent the dangerous and potentially deadly onslaught of symptoms known as precipitated withdrawal. Once a user has safely transitioned beyond the acute withdrawal stage under professional medical care, they face the longer-term effects associated with opiate addiction. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), a cluster of primarily mood-based symptoms, may affect users for months, and even years, depending upon the extent of their addiction and individual variables such as:
Opiate addiction and the resulting psychological effects—particularly depression—are all highly treatable and favorable treatment outcomes may be obtained through the following detox and treatment options:
Treating opiate withdrawal depression is not possible without following a multidimensional, holistic approach. The following six factors represent post-treatment essentials:
Opiate addiction is not a disease affecting only those with known substance use disorders (SUDs), a family history of abuse, or genetic susceptibility. Anyone, at any time, regardless of race, age, gender, socioeconomic status, or religion can find themselves addicted to opiates. If you or someone you love are addicted to opiates and in need of treatment, call a substance abuse professional today. Never be ashamed of the fact that you have a problem and need help, rather, be empowered by your courage in facing the truth and taking action.
Also remember, in the event of an overdose seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or visiting your nearest hospital emergency room (ER). An opiate overdose is considered a serious, potentially life-threatening situation.
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