Opioid Addiction Q&A

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There is not really a black and white concept of how people should feel once they are addicted. Some people have various symptoms and others may only have a few. The one thing that is true for all people addicted is that they feel as though they “need” this drug to get through their day-to-day life. Becoming addicted can happen very quickly, and most people do not realize they are addicted until it is too late. The withdrawal symptoms from these pain medications are not pleasant and can be both mental and physical in nature. ​ Here are some signs that you may be addicted to opioids: ​ You have tried to quit but can never really seem to do it Less interested or not at all interested in activities you used to enjoy Rearranging your schedule or responsibilities so you can take the opioids Relationships have suffered due to opioids Friends or family have told you that they are concerned about your use of opioids When you don’t take the opioids you experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, chills, etc. These are just some of the things you may experience if you are addicted to opioids. Quitting is difficult because your body has grown accustomed to having this drug. Learn the facts on opioids and how they affect a person’s mental and physical health. It can be the first step to understanding and overcoming this addiction. 

Suboxone is a treatment option available to help patients take the first step to recovery from opioid addiction. This treatment option helps alleviate the physical and mental withdrawal symptoms which can be experienced by patients who stop or decrease their opioid intake. Suboxone is a combination medication that includes a pain reliever and an opioid blocker. Many doctors recommend using it to help patients wishing to manage their addiction. ​ Suboxone “tricks” your mind and body into thinking it is getting the drug without all of the negative side effects.  This helps the patient regain focus and start putting their life back in order. Dr Steneker at Steneker Family Medicine specializes in opioid addiction treatment. 

Most of the time a patient begins taking opioid pain medicine, such as oxycodone, for an injury or chronic pain. As with any addiction, opioid addiction occurs when a person craves the way the medication makes them feel. As the effects of the opioid dose wear off, they feel as if they cannot function properly or without pain. Eventually, they begin taking the drug in larger doses or more often, because their body develops a tolerance to the original dosage. Opioid addiction can be a physical and/or a psychological addiction, developing dependence on an opioid medication. The highly addictive nature of these medications causes many patients to seek out stronger drugs or multiple sources of the drug to satisfy their addiction. ​

Call today to set up your initial consultation to discuss your treatment with Dr Steneker.