What are the causes of opiates addiction and dependency?

Prior medical and scientific research studies have revealed that in many instances an individual with opiates addiction also suffers with some type of psychological disorder. It is oftentimes assumed that this disorder was present and possibly led to the addiction. Opiates and semi-synthetic opioids when taken for pain do not normally lead to some psychological disorder. In fact, most opioids are characterized by their anti-depressive, anti-psychotic, and anxiolytic qualities.

The warning signs of opiates addiction and opioid dependency

When individuals have been using opiates or opioids for an extended length of time, there is a possibility that they have incurred a tolerance build-up and that opiates addiction or dependency may have already developed. The addiction or dependency is usually defined as a central nervous system disorder which results from the continual use of the drug. It is a medically diagnosed condition that is typically characterized by not being able to stop the consumption of the drug. Even when it is in the person’s best interests to stop, they can’t.

In order for a person to be diagnosed with opiates addiction, three or more of the following must be present according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV:

•  Increased amounts of time being spent to obtain more of the drug in conjunction with a growing neglect certain pleasures and responsibilities
• Increased doses of the drug are needed to offset the growing tolerance to it
• The onset of depressive moods, harm to one’s liver, and impairment of any cognitive functions
• There is a strong compulsion or desire to continue taking the drug
• Unable to control one’s drug taking
• When the use of the drug is reduced or stopped, we see an onset of a physical state of withdrawal and its symptoms

The better care providers and addiction rehab facilities do not confuse opiate addiction and opioid dependency with character weakness. Additionally, undergoing opiates addiction detox is not a complete treatment modality nor is it a total cure for opiates addiction or opioid dependency.

Getting professional help when you need it

If you or a loved one has gotten to the point where you are suffering with opiates addiction or dependency and have been searching for an addiction treatment and recovery with effective programs that that address your clinical and personal needs. Our rehab programs have a proven 70% (or higher) recovery success rate. In other words, 7 out of every 10 of our clients have returned home to their communities and maintained their new substance-free lifestyle.

For more information regarding our facility and our opiates addiction program, please call the Freedom Center at the toll-free phone number listed above and speak with one of our caring addiction specialists.