Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder (OUD), is a chronic condition marked by compulsive opioid use despite harmful consequences. It disrupts the brain’s reward system, making it difficult for individuals to stop using—even when it causes serious damage to their health, relationships, and daily life.
At Meta Addiction Treatment, we offer compassionate opioid addiction treatment, tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Read on to learn more about opioid addiction, as well as our approach to treating it.
Opioids are a group of drugs that relieve pain by interacting with the nervous system. They work by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, which helps block pain signals. While these medications can be highly effective for managing pain, they also carry a significant risk for misuse and addiction.
Opioids fall into three main categories:
Natural opioids: Derived directly from the opium poppy plant. Examples include morphine and codeine.
Semi-synthetic opioids: These are modified in a lab from natural opioids. Common examples are oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin.
Synthetic opioids: Fully lab-made, these include fentanyl, tramadol, and methadone. Fentanyl is especially powerful and is a leading cause of opioid-related overdose deaths.
Opioids are known by both prescription and street names. For instance:
Prescription opioids go by brand names like OxyContin (oxycodone), Vicodin (hydrocodone), and Percocet (oxycodone with acetaminophen).
On the street, heroin may be called “smack” or “H,” while fentanyl might be known as “China White” or “Apache.”
Other slang terms include “narcs,” “painkillers,” and “hillbilly heroin” (a nickname sometimes used for oxycodone).
Because these drugs are both widely available and commonly misused, they remain a major contributor to the ongoing opioid crisis.
Opioid addiction is a deeply harmful condition that impacts every area of a person’s life. Though these drugs are meant to manage pain, extended use often leads to dependence and addiction—with consequences that affect physical health, mental well-being, and social stability.
Opioid addiction can have serious, even deadly effects on the body. One of the most immediate risks is respiratory depression—a condition where breathing slows to dangerously low levels, often leading to overdose and death.
Other physical complications include:
Weakened immune system, increasing vulnerability to illness
Chronic constipation and liver damage (especially with opioids containing acetaminophen)
Cardiovascular problems
Increased risk of infectious diseases like HIV or hepatitis for those who inject drugs
As addiction progresses, the brain becomes reliant on opioids to function. Tolerance builds, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect, which greatly raises the risk of overdose. Withdrawal symptoms—like nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, and intense cravings—make quitting incredibly difficult.
Ironically, long-term opioid use can increase pain sensitivity, leaving users in more pain than before. The physical toll can be relentless, trapping individuals in a dangerous cycle of dependence.
The emotional and psychological effects of opioid addiction are just as severe as the physical ones.
Common mental health issues include:
Depression and anxiety, due to opioids interfering with dopamine production
Irritability and mood swings
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Feelings of isolation, hopelessness, or worthlessness
Many individuals also suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders like PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. The constant pressure of chasing the next dose increases stress and can trigger suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
Severe withdrawal can cause paranoia, hallucinations, and emotional distress, creating a psychological state that feels impossible to escape without help.
The damage from opioid addiction goes beyond the individual, often affecting families, jobs, and entire communities.
Strained relationships: Addiction often leads to lies, theft, and manipulation. Loved ones may distance themselves or cut ties completely.
Loss of custody: Parents with opioid addiction may lose the right to care for their children.
Unemployment and financial instability: Job loss is common due to poor performance, frequent absences, or cognitive decline.
Legal issues: Arrests for possession, theft, or other crimes related to addiction can result in jail time and a criminal record.
On a broader scale, communities impacted by opioid addiction often see:
Higher crime rates
Overburdened healthcare systems
Significant financial costs for public services
Opioid addiction is not just a personal crisis—it’s a widespread social and public health issue.
Taking any opioid in a method other than how it was prescribed increases a person’s odds of developing an addiction. For example, individuals may crush an opioid pill in order to snort or inject it. Ingesting opioids in this way is also highly dangerous because it increases the chance of overdose, particularly if the pill is a long- or extended-acting formulation.
A person’s addiction risk is also elevated when they don’t follow the appropriate dosage of a prescription, either by taking the opioid in a higher amount or more frequently than what the doctor prescribed. Also, the risk of addiction goes up the longer someone takes opioids. There are also genetic, psychological, and environmental factors that put some people at a higher risk of developing an opioid addiction than others.
Some of the common risk factors that increase an individual’s risk of opioid misuse or abuse are:
Additionally, women may be at a higher risk of developing an opioid addiction due to their increased odds of suffering from chronic pain. There are also biological factors that increase a woman’s odds of opioid abuse. Finally, it is more common for women to be given opioid prescriptions than men, and these prescriptions are often for higher doses and for longer periods of time, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Opioid addiction can be hard to detect in its early stages, as symptoms often appear gradually. However, as dependency deepens, physical, behavioral, and psychological signs become more noticeable. Identifying these warning signs early can be crucial in helping someone seek support before the addiction progresses.
Opioids affect the body in many ways, and prolonged use can lead to visible changes in appearance and overall health. While early signs may be subtle, they tend to become more pronounced over time. The severity and nature of these symptoms can vary depending on the type of opioid, dosage, and how long the person has been using.
Common physical indicators include:
Drowsiness or sedation – Frequently nodding off or appearing excessively tired, even during the day.
Pinpoint pupils – Abnormally small pupils that don’t respond to light as expected.
Slow or shallow breathing – A dangerous reduction in breathing rate caused by suppressed respiratory function.
Nausea and vomiting – Frequent digestive discomfort or upset stomach.
Itchy skin – Persistent scratching due to a common side effect of opioid use.
Appetite changes and weight loss – Decreased interest in eating, resulting in noticeable weight loss.
Flushed, pale, or clammy skin – Changes in skin tone, excessive sweating, or cold skin.
Needle marks – Visible puncture wounds, bruises, or scabs, often on arms or legs from injecting drugs.
Recurring flu-like symptoms – Chills, aches, and sweating, often related to withdrawal.
Neglect of hygiene – A noticeable decline in grooming, personal care, or cleanliness.
Addiction often leads to significant changes in behavior. As drug use becomes a priority, individuals may start acting in ways that are out of character or harmful to themselves and others. These shifts can affect relationships, work, school, and other responsibilities.
Behavioral signs include:
Secrecy and withdrawal – Avoiding loved ones or social events to hide drug use or out of guilt.
Doctor shopping – Visiting multiple doctors to obtain more opioid prescriptions.
Financial trouble – Constantly borrowing money, selling belongings, or stealing to afford drugs.
Risky or illegal actions – Engaging in theft, fraud, or dealing drugs to sustain the addiction.
Neglecting obligations – Skipping work, failing in school, or ignoring family duties.
Dishonesty and manipulation – Lying about drug use, whereabouts, or money.
Aggressive or defensive reactions – Becoming easily angered or irritated when questioned about drug use.
New social circles – Replacing old friends with individuals who use drugs.
Loss of interest – Abandoning hobbies and activities once enjoyed.
Unpredictable moods – Rapid mood swings from euphoria to irritability or aggression.
Beyond physical and behavioral changes, opioid addiction deeply affects a person’s mental and emotional state. As the brain becomes dependent on the drug, emotional regulation and cognitive function decline, making recovery even more challenging without intervention.
Psychological symptoms may include:
Strong cravings – A persistent and overwhelming urge to use opioids.
Depression and anxiety – Ongoing feelings of sadness, worry, or hopelessness.
Paranoia or hallucinations – Experiencing distorted thoughts, visions, or sounds, particularly during withdrawal.
Difficulty focusing – Problems with memory, attention, or decision-making.
Emotional numbness – A sense of detachment or lack of interest in life and relationships.
Fear of withdrawal – Intense dread about experiencing withdrawal symptoms, leading to continued use.
Increased pain sensitivity – A paradoxical effect where opioids actually heighten pain perception over time.
Suicidal thoughts or self-harm – Feelings of despair or hopelessness that may lead to self-injury.
Disconnection from reality – Confusion, disorientation, or feeling mentally “checked out.”
Denial or rationalization – Downplaying the severity of drug use or insisting it’s under control despite evidence to the contrary.
If you suspect a loved one is addicted to opioids, but they have not sought opioid treatment, it is a good idea to know the signs of opioid overdose and to have a plan to help. Signs someone has overdosed include:
If you suspect a person has overdosed, first shout or lightly tap or shake the person to get a response. If there is no response, rub your knuckles on the person’s breastbone. Keep the person awake if they respond to any of these efforts and call 911.
In the event that the person is unresponsive after shouting or tapping, call 911. If you have a prescription for naloxone, follow the instructions to administer that medication. Naloxone is an injection or nasal spray that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is sold under the brand name Narcan.
Should the person’s breathing be shallow or nonexistent, or if their skin is blue or lips dark, perform mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. This is done by tilting the head back and lifting up the chin until the mouth opens, clearing the airway. Give two quick breaths to start and then a strong breath every 5 seconds.
If the person does not have a pulse or is not breathing, perform CPR. Push down repeatedly on the chest at a rate of 100 times per minute. Deliver rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
While you wait for emergency responders to arrive, stay with the person who has overdosed. If for any reason you must leave the person, put them on their side, with the opposite hand supporting the head, mouth facing to the side and down, and their top leg on the floor to keep the person from rolling onto their stomach. This is known as the recovery position. They should also be put in this position if they have vomited to help avoid aspirating any vomit into the lungs.
Overcoming opioid addiction is a multifaceted process that requires more than just willpower. Because addiction affects both the brain and behavior, effective treatment must address physical dependence, emotional health, and social influences.
Recovery is not an overnight fix—it’s a long-term journey. But with the right combination of medical care, therapy, and support, individuals can break free from addiction and reclaim their lives.
Detox is often the first phase of treatment, aimed at clearing opioids from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. Given the intensity of withdrawal, medical supervision is highly recommended. At Meta Addiction Treatment, we offer specialized detox placement services.
Treatment options during detox may include:
Medically supervised detox – Conducted in hospitals or treatment centers, this ensures safety and comfort during withdrawal.
Medication-assisted support – FDA-approved medications may be used to ease symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Tapering strategies – Gradually reducing opioid use under a doctor’s care can make the process more manageable and less distressing.
Because of the way opioids affect the brain, over time individuals require more and more of the drug to reach the same impact. As a result, there are very real, and sometimes dangerous, physical withdrawal symptoms that someone will experience when they decide to stop taking opioids. These withdrawal symptoms happen in several stages. Early symptoms, which can happen within 24 hours of stopping the use of opioids, include:
While later withdrawal symptoms someone may experience include:
The symptoms are not comfortable, but typically they are not life threatening. Most symptoms start to diminish within 72 hours. After a week, individuals in recovery should experience a noticeable reduction in withdrawal symptoms. But different forms of opioids will leave the body at different rates, and how each person experiences withdrawal will be different as well.
Individuals should not attempt withdrawal from opioid misuse on their own because of an increased risk of issues such as aspiration and severe dehydration. Aspiration occurs when someone vomits and inhales their stomach contents. If this happens, the lungs can become infected or they can choke. Additionally, the vomiting and diarrhea that accompany the later stages of withdrawal can result in dehydration and chemical and mineral imbalances in the body.
Going through withdrawal treatment under the care of health care professionals can help the individual manage their symptoms better while also offering them a better chance of long-term success in staying off opioids.
Finally, the biggest concern for someone after detoxing from opioid addiction is a return to their previous use, which can lead to overdose. After stopping opioids, the body’s tolerance changes and even taking a much smaller dose of the drug than they previously consumed can result in an overdose.
One of the most effective approaches for opioid addiction is medication-assisted treatment, which combines medications with therapy to support recovery.
Two medications, methadone and buprenorphine, are most commonly prescribed to help with the symptoms of withdrawal that occur when someone is trying to stop misusing opioids. Both interact with the same parts of the brain that opioids do, but neither gives the user the same “high” as opioids. Instead, both medications help the person by giving the brain time to recover from the damage that opioids have caused.
Some physicians also prescribe a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, the drug used to treat opioid overdose, that can be helpful.
Other treatment providers may prescribe Naltrexone. Instead of blocking the symptoms of withdrawal or the cravings for opioids, Naltrexone does not allow the person taking an opioid to experience a high. This is only prescribed after someone has already stopped taking opioids for at least seven days. It is not an option for someone who is trying to stop opioid misuse, but it can be helpful in preventing a relapse.
Therapy plays a central role in treating the underlying causes of addiction. While medications manage the physical side, therapy addresses the emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges that fuel substance use.
Types of therapy include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Teaches individuals to recognize and change harmful thoughts and behaviors.
Contingency Management (CM) – Uses rewards to reinforce positive behaviors like staying drug-free.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) – Helps individuals strengthen their internal motivation to change.
Family and Group Therapy – Restores damaged relationships and builds a sense of community and shared support.
Individual Therapy – Offers a private, personalized space to explore trauma, mental health concerns, and emotional struggles.
Because opioid addiction is a chronic condition, the risk of relapse is real. But relapse doesn’t mean failure—it signals the need to adjust the treatment plan. Long-term recovery is built on consistency, self-awareness, and continuous support.
Peer support is a critical part of maintaining sobriety. Support groups provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of connection that can make the recovery journey less isolating.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – A 12-step program that promotes spiritual growth, personal responsibility, and regular peer meetings.
Non-12-Step Alternatives – Programs like SMART Recovery, and LifeRing, offer practical, science-based recovery strategies without a spiritual component.
Peer support allows individuals to learn from others who have faced similar struggles, providing motivation, real-life strategies, and emotional reassurance.
Maintaining recovery requires adopting healthy habits and making meaningful lifestyle changes that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Key strategies include:
Creating structure – A consistent routine that includes sleep, nutrition, and exercise helps reduce stress and build stability.
Physical activity and nutrition – Exercise boosts mood and energy, while a balanced diet supports brain and body healing.
Stress management – Healthy outlets like meditation, journaling, yoga, or hobbies can reduce the temptation to use opioids as a coping mechanism.
Avoiding triggers – Identifying and steering clear of high-risk situations, environments, or people is essential for preventing relapse.
Opioid addiction is a serious, often life-threatening condition—but it is also treatable. With a combination of medical intervention, evidence-based therapy, peer support, and lifestyle adjustments, recovery is within reach.
While the journey can be challenging, it is also filled with opportunities for growth, healing, and renewed purpose. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seeking professional help is the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
If you or a loved one needs help with an opioid addiction, call us today at 844-909-2560, or email us at info@metaaddictiontreatment.com. You can also visit any one of our three locations, which are open 24/7:
Our flexible outpatient programs can help individuals live the sober life they want and deserve. Best of all, our programs allow individuals to progress in their recovery while still going to work, attending school, or taking care of their family. We understand that recovery must be effective both inside and outside treatment programs and we work hard to help our clients apply the lessons learned in treatment to their everyday lives. For individuals who need sustained support while fulfilling life responsibilities, outpatient treatment with Meta can be an ideal fit.
If you’re not sure whether outpatient treatment is appropriate for you or your loved one, consider taking our assessments.
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