Opioid use disorder is one of the most prevalent and dangerous substance use disorders in the United States. In 2018, nearly 80% of drug-related overdose deaths in the state of Illinois were caused by opioids. Opioids are not only highly related to a high instance of overdose, but also their psychological effects and withdrawal symptoms can also make it extremely difficult to stop without support.
ModernMed Recovery, a 5-star addiction treatment provider, offers opioid treatment in Illinois to help you get your life back on track. Find out more about opioids, the signs of opioid use disorder and opioid use disorder treatment at ModernMed Recovery below.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of medications that work by affecting opioid receptors found in the brain. There are opioids that are legally available by prescription and highly relied on in modern medicine, but there are also illicit opioids, such as heroin, that have the same mechanisms of action. Prescription opioid medications include:
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
- Meperidine
- Oxycontin
- Hydromorphone
- Oxymorphone
- Codeine
- Tramadol
Opioids have a long history of use in the U.S. In the 1800s, soldiers who were wounded were commonly treated with the well-known opioid morphine to keep them comfortable. Unfortunately, the high rate of morphine use led to opioid dependence. In the latter part of the 1800s, heroin was introduced as a “less-addictive” alternative to morphine, however, heroin also led to addiction.
Due to the high rate of addiction, opioids were eventually classified as a controlled substance to curb the high rate of use. Nevertheless, by the 1990s, drug manufacturers had created new opioid drugs that many falsely claimed were not as likely to cause dependency. Therefore, a massive boom in prescriptions for these medications occurred, and, concurrently, many people developed an addiction.
Signs of Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid dependence can happen quickly, even when an individual is legally prescribed opioid medication for treatment. When an individual stops taking the medication, the patient can experience severe withdrawal symptoms, which often spurs compulsive drug-seeking behaviors. Signs of opioid addiction can include:
- Using more opioid medication than prescribed
- Engaging in risky behaviors to obtain opioids
- Drastic changes in behaviors or mood stability
- Lying about using opioids
- Changes in social engagement or managing responsibilities related to family or work
- Acting impulsively
- Sleep pattern and appetite changes
- Making poor decisions such as stealing opioids from friends, visiting multiple doctors or spending money on opioids
How ModernMed Recovery Treats Opioid Use Disorder
ModernMed Recovery uses medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) that have been clinically proven to combat withdrawal symptoms. These medications are buprenorphine-based, such as SUBOXONE, SUBUTEX, ZUBSOLV, SUBLOCADE, and BUNAVAIL. After an induction appointment at our practice to discuss your situation and symptoms, we create an MAT (medication-assisted treatment) plan to get you stabilized and working your way through the recovery process. After stabilization, you return to ModernMed monthly to maintain sobriety.
Why Choose ModernMed Recovery for Opioid Addiction Treatment
ModernMed Recovery is one of the highest-rated, physician-owned providers of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders. We understand addiction as a disease and that many people are caught in addiction cycles through no fault of their own. After 20 years in the treatment of opioid withdrawal and addiction to other substances, we are dedicated to compassionate recovery. Reach out to find out more about MAT for opioid use disorder.