Opiate Addiction Treatment in Boston, MA
Opiates are a class of drug usually used as medication for pain. Many of these substances are legal and relatively easy to obtain. This simple fact is why prescription drug addiction is so common. Many people are prescribed these medications without any warning of their dangers. Before they know it, a physical dependence is formed.
What Types of Drugs Are Considered Opiates?
Many types of opiates are legal and beneficial as a pain aid. These include, but are not limited to:
- Oxycontin
- Morphine
- Vicodin
- Demoral
- Percocet
- Codeine
One of the most highly addictive and illegal opiates is heroin. Regardless of their legality, they're all derived from the opium poppy plant. This plant has been used to alleviate pain for thousands of years. Today, synthetic versions of the natural form pervade society and are the cause of many cases of drug abuse and misuse.
How Does One Become Addicted to Opiates?
Compared to other substances, opiates have a particular way of affecting the body. Within everyone are proteins called opioid receptors. The body fills these receptors to naturally fight pain. Taking an opiate-based medication does the same thing but at an increased level.
Over time, the body becomes accustomed to this increase in opioid production and cannot naturally produce the same amount. This inevitably leads to physical dependence and painful withdrawal symptoms. However, there is an important difference between a physical dependence and addiction.
What is Opiate Addiction?
Prescription medicine for pain, when used for extended periods of time, inevitably creates a physical dependence on the drug. This isn't a problem when the medication is used responsibly and under the care of a physician. Where addiction comes into play is when an addict actively seeks the prescription drugs, and that pill-seeking mentality negatively affects their lives. These actions typically lead to harmful and dangerous situations that can hurt everyone involved.
Addiction to any substance or activity can have many negative consequences. Enjoyment of the simple things in life takes a backseat to chasing the drug. However, there is hope for recovery. A trained staff is there to show you how to live a normal life. Call Drug Rehab Boston MA now at (617)-336-0107, Find out about the different treatments and facilities availble for your specific needs.