Opioid Addiction

Treatment, and How We Can Help!

Opioid addiction has quickly become one of the most lethal epidemics society has ever seen. More Canadians are struggling with opioid addiction now more than ever, and we’re here to do our part. Another Road offers tailored programs for people suffering from opioid & opiate addiction to ensure they get the best help they need.

Opioid vs. Opiate

What’s the Difference?

Simply put, Opiates are the natural form of the drug whereas Opioids are synthetic. There is also a third classification known as Semi-synthetics. However, now in modern medicine the term Opioid is used to designate all of these categories. All forms are derived from alkaloids found in opium poppy resin. The opioid class is known for being the most lethal and highly addictive drug family, including:

Fentanyl
Heroin
Oxycodone
Percocets
Morphine
Codeine
Demerol
Dilaudid
Methadone
Suboxone

The Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis that we have been experiencing societally can be pinpointed to one thing: Fentanyl. This synthetic & extremely potent opioid has lead to a sharp increase in overdose-related deaths in recent years. Fentanyl not only produces the effect of relaxation and euphoria, but can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death. It is a highly addictive drug that is taken by smoking, or injecting. Even short-term use can lead to physical dependence, that easily progresses into opioid addiction.

Fentanyl is not only highly potent but is also very fast-acting, so an overdose can happen within just seconds of use. The synthetic opioid depresses the breathing, slows the heart rate, which can lead to death.

The reasons why Fentanyl is so addictive, and the cycle is so harsh is because it gives the user an extreme sense of euphoria, which is then shortly after matched by severe withdrawal. During use, the drug binds to natural opioid receptors in the brain, that creates a flood of dopamine similar to, and often more powerful than heroin.

The end result being after use, the withdrawal symptoms are so severe, the user literally feels like they are dying, and therefor “have to” use again to avoid the feelings. Fact: You cannot die from opioid withdrawal (unlike alcohol).

Signs of Opioid Use

Pinpointed Pupils
Slurred speech
Drowsy appearance
Low blood pressure
Slow heart rate
Less sensitive to physical pain

Signs of Opioid Addiction

Lack of personal hygiene
White, chapped, or pasty lips
“Track marks” or needle marks inside the elbows, tops of the hands, in between the toes
Unusual need for money, stealing, “borrowing”
Engaging in dangerous activity to acquire opioids
Appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid for no reason
Disappearing for hours/days at a time with no explanation

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

Stomach cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Back pain
Joint and muscle pain
Excessive yawning
Sweating
Watery eyes
Fever
Chills
Anxiety
Weakness
Insomnia
Increased blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Rapid breathing

Additional information:

Fentanyl or heroin withdrawal can typically begin within hours after the last use because they are both short-acting opioids. The symptoms may decrease in severity within a certain number of days, but the post acute withdrawal symptoms can continue for weeks to months, long after the last drug use.

Additional side effects of Fentanyl include:

Drowsiness
Confusion
Constipation
Nausea
Loss of consciousness

In addition to these potentially co-occurring negative side effects, repeated use of fentanyl can develop quickly into an increased tolerance, psychological and physical dependence that leads to addiction.

Signs of a person who has overdosed on fentanyl symptoms:

Confusion
Dizziness
Pinpoint pupils
Difficulty walking normally, thinking, or talking coherently
Paleness in face
Trouble breathing
Slow pulse
Extreme lethargy
Choking or gurgling
Unresponsiveness
Coma

More About Fentanyl Addiction

There is a high risk of overdose in abusing fentanyl because it is often sold as heroin or concealed in other street drugs. Other factors that can cause a fatal overdose in using fentanyl in conjunction with additional substances such as benzodiazepines, sleeping pills and alcohol.

A tolerance starts do develop as a person requires higher and higher doses to feel the same effects of euphoria. Frequently using fentanyl not only puts the person at risk of overdose but can quickly lead to a sever addiction and dependence.

When the person stops using the drugs, physical dependence occurs when the body starts experiencing the drug leaving the system, this is an onset of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from opioids can bring extreme discomfort, and many opioid users take the drug continuously in order to avoid the withdrawal sickness symptoms.

If you abruptly stop taking fentanyl, you may experience extreme discomfort and a number of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can interfere with schooling, ability to work or go to work, or daily life activities.

How We Can Help

We have a team of experienced counsellors who work with clients to get their life back. We offer individualized treatment programs for all opioid addiction, and all other substance issues. We offer a comfortable, home like environment with private rooms so you can be comfortable while receiving the treatment you need. Reach out for availability and more information today.

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10750 Ashburn Road

Port Perry, ON L9L 2A5

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About Us:

At Another Road Addiction Recovery Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centre, we strongly believe the key to successful treatment must address underlying and the fundamental root causes of addiction. Choose the right treatment centre is vital for a successful recovery for an addiction…Read more

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