Opioid Addiction

Prescription opioids are often obtained for pain relief; however, it is important to note that consumption is not entirely risk-free. Some people start on the path to addiction without realizing it: as their tolerance to opioids increase over time, they seek more to achieve the desired effect. This has contributed to opioid addiction in Los Angeles. If you suffer from an addiction, don’t lose hope, as recovery is possible with opioid addiction treatment.

Also known as opioid use disorder, addiction occurs when an individual is unable to sever their reliance on opioids, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they go without it for some time. Stronger doses are required as their bodies develop tolerance through frequent use. This can be dangerous, as a high dose of opioids can result in respiratory depression, which is when breathing is slowed or even stops altogether. The risk is magnified if the medication that can interact with the opioid is taken simultaneously. In addition, opioids can interact with a range of diseases and conditions, which is why they should only be considered if alternative painkillers are not effective.
Below are some symptoms of opioid addiction:

• Recurring flu-like symptoms
• Drowsiness and change in sleep habits
• Weight loss
• Decreased libido
• Inability to control opioid use and consumption

One reason individuals with opioid use disorder find it difficult to stop, is because of withdrawal symptoms. As their brains become accustomed to a large influx of opioid receptors, they become desensitized and require larger, more frequent doses to achieve the same effect as before.

The good news is that opioid addiction is treatable, and many patients have gone on to live a new, drug-free life. At Spark To Recovery, we provide quality drug addiction treatment programs and therapies to address the needs of the body, mind, and spirit.
Common opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Teary eyes
• Runny nose
• Excessive sweating
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping

At Spark To Recovery, we ensure that no client’s addiction goes untreated. If their addiction goes hand in hand with a mental health condition, as is often the case, therapies are provided to reduce the chances of relapsing and help patients develop healthy coping mechanisms.

• Are you spending an increasing amount of money on opioids?
• Do you find yourself having to ingest a stronger dose of opioids more frequently?
• Are you stealing from your loved ones to fund your opioid addiction?
• Have you isolated yourself from the activities you used to enjoy?

While there is no right or wrong time to seek treatment, the sooner you do so, the better your chances of breaking out of the cycle of dependency.

At Spark To Recovery, we believe that no two patients are the same. Our drug addiction treatment team will devise a holistic recovery program for each client based on the specific problems they face. This will include a range of therapies – individual, group family. These programs are aimed at helping clients manage negative thoughts and avoid destructive behavior, as much as they are about shedding opioid reliance and addiction.