Opioids are potent painkillers. We use them to relieve moderate to severe pain from events like surgery or injury. Opioids can sometimes also be used to treat chronic pain resulting from issues such as back pain or osteoarthritis.
When used appropriately to treat physical pain, opioids usually do not carry significant risk for addiction. But what some people do not realize is that opioids also relieve emotional pain. Feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, and boredom are all numbed with the use of opioids.
The difficulty of withdrawal
Consequently, the main symptom of withdrawal from opioid use is pain. In some cases, the pain can be considerable, as the intensity of the pain of withdrawal is equal to the pain relief the drug has been providing.
Medical and mental health professionals do not recommend going cold-turkey as a strategy for getting off opioids. Getting off opioids is a process and the chances of success are greatly increased under the guidance of a physician specializing in addiction treatment.
In addition to the physical effects of opioid withdrawal, the emotional effects must also be addressed as addiction is often a physical and mental health issue combined.
Opioid addiction and mental health
The risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are bi-directional as the risk of one increases the risk of the other. Opioids provide temporary emotional relief to uncomfortable emotions and at the same time, if a person is using opioids, the risk of developing depression is greater.
Those who are using opioids either for pain management with a prescription or recreationally should take care as a large scale investigation indicated 10% of people using opioids for over one month had developed depression. In the study, the people were on the medication because it was prescribed by a doctor and had not experienced depression in the past. As a result, we know long term opioid use on its own is a risk for depression.
The need for confidentiality in treatment settings
In today’s society, many people who are dependent on opioids are leading functional lives. The image of an addict who without a home or job and is living on the street is not an accurate reflection of the current problem in America. Some people have become addicted or dependent as a result of long term pain treatment prescribed by a doctor. Others began using opioids (heroin, pain meds) recreationally and then over time, unintentionally slipped into problematic use.
The thought of seeking addiction treatment can bring fear of exposure to family, friends, and colleagues. For this reason, any therapist offering treatment must adhere to strict confidentiality rules. Further, otential clients must understand that their reputations are safe in the hands of their trusted professional.
For more information on confidential treatment for any kind of addiction and/or mental health concerns, you are welcome to call and book your first appointment or fill out my contact form and click Send.