At North Port Behavioral Health in Florida, we provide evidence-based, compassionate treatment for adults age 18 and older who are struggling with mental health concerns and co-occurring substance use disorders like opioid addiction. Our care team offers a variety of treatment options and individualized care plans that are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals. When you are ready to seek treatment for opioid addiction, we are here to support you on your journey to recovery.
What Is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction is a serious public health concern that affects individuals, families, and communities across the United States. Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, as well as illegal drugs such as heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. When opioids are used as prescribed by a doctor, they can help a person manage their pain. However, their powerful effects can lead people to misuse or become addicted to them. Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder, occurs when a person becomes unable to control their use of opioids despite the negative consequences they may experience.
Opioids work by attaching themselves to specific receptors in a person’s brain, which can reduce the person’s pain and create a sense of euphoria. Over time, the person’s body can build up a tolerance to opioids, which can result in them needing higher doses to feel the same effects. This increased tolerance can lead to a physical dependence on opioids, which can cause the individual to experience physical withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shaking, and muscle pain. An increased opioid tolerance can also lead to psychological dependence, which may involve symptoms such as cravings and compulsive behaviors.
Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction, also referred to as opioid use disorder, can cause someone to struggle with a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, including:
- Using opioids for longer or in larger amounts than they intended
- An increased tolerance to opioids, or needing higher doses of opioids to achieve the same effects
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop using opioids
- Spending an excessive amount of time obtaining opioids, using opioids, and recovering from opioid use
- Neglecting personal responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Physical withdrawal symptoms such as sweating and shaking
- Psychological withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and compulsive behaviors
- An increase in anxiety or paranoia, which may cause them to self-isolate
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Sudden changes to their physical appearance, such as weight loss or neglected hygiene
If you are experiencing symptoms of opioid addiction, it is important to seek care at a reputable treatment center such as North Port Behavioral Health as soon as possible. Although reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, the compassionate staff at our treatment center is here to support you on your path to healing. We provide comprehensive treatment for people who are struggling with mental health concerns and co-occurring opioid addictions, and we can help you address both at the same time.
Opioid Addiction Causes & Risk Factors
Opioid addiction can affect anyone, but specific factors may heighten a person’s risk. Causes and risk factors include:
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of substance use disorders may increase a person’s genetic vulnerability to addiction.
- History of substance use: A previous or current pattern of alcohol or drug abuse raises a person’s likelihood of developing an addiction to opioids.
- Chronic pain: People who have persistent pain conditions often require opioids for relief, which can increase their risk for misusing opioids or developing an opioid dependence.
- Early exposure to substances: Experimenting with drugs or alcohol during adolescence can heighten a person’s risk for addiction due to the developing brain’s sensitivity to substances.
- Environmental factors: Growing up in a setting where drug use is normalized or lacking access to education and healthcare can increase a person’s risk for misusing opioids.
- Social isolation or stress: Lack of support systems, exposure to trauma, or high stress levels may lead some people to use opioids as a coping mechanism.
- Access to opioids: Easy access to prescription painkillers, illegal opioids, or leftover medications can raise the likelihood that a person will misuse opioids.
- Prolonged use of prescription opioids: Long-term use or misuse of prescribed painkillers, such as taking higher doses or using them for nonmedical reasons, can cause a person to become addicted to opioids.
- Mental health concerns: Mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and PTSD may lead some people to misuse opioids as a form of self-medication.
If you are struggling with a mental health concern and a co-occurring opioid addiction, North Port Behavioral Health can help. Our compassionate and skilled team is here and ready to provide you with individualized support and resources that can help you work toward healing in a safe and comfortable setting.
Opioid Addiction Statistics
In the United States, opioid addiction affects numerous individuals and their families each year. In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately 2.1 million Americans were struggling with opioid use disorder. The CDC also reported that in 2022:
- Around 108,000 people died from drug overdoses, and about 82,000 of these deaths (approximately 76%) involved opioids.
- An average of 224 people died each day from an opioid overdose.
- Opioid overdose deaths were 10 times higher than in 1999, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl having a large impact on that number.
National research suggests that opioid addiction impacts some groups more than others. For example, people who live in rural areas and low-income communities often face the highest rates of opioid misuse and overdose.
Overall, the widespread nature of opioid abuse and addiction illustrates the need for strong prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to address this national crisis. With the help of expert treatment centers like North Port Behavioral Health, people can address both the symptoms of opioid use disorder and any underlying mental health concerns in a nonjudgmental, positive environment.
Possible Benefits of Receiving Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Receiving effective treatment can empower people who are struggling with opioid addictions to build a healthier, more stable future. Possible benefits of seeking opioid addiction treatment include:
- Improved mental health: Receiving treatment for addiction can help a person address mental health concerns that may be linked to their substance use, including anxiety and depression.
- Enhanced physical health: Treatment can provide people with the tools they need to manage their withdrawal symptoms and can help them improve their overall physical health.
- Better relationships: Treatment can help people work toward creating healthier connections with their loved ones.
- Increased overall stability: Addiction treatment can provide people with life skills and healthier coping mechanisms, which can help support a more stable future.
- Reduced risk for overdose: Access to professional treatment can lower a person’s chances of experiencing a life-threatening opioid overdose.
- Greater sense of purpose: Addiction treatment professionals can help patients set goals, define their interests, and work toward more fulfilling lives.
With effective treatment for opioid addiction, it is possible for people to break free from the cycle of dependence. At North Port Behavioral Health, we are here to help you work toward a life of recovery and renewed purpose.
Why Choose Our Florida Opioid Addiction Treatment Center
Located in North Port, Florida, North Port Behavioral Health provides a welcoming space where patients can fully focus on their well-being. Our treatment center is designed to be a place of recovery, offering a peaceful environment where patients can take a break from the stressors of daily life. For people who are struggling with mental health concerns and co-occurring opioid addictions, we offer integrated care that treats both conditions simultaneously.
Our team is equipped to support you every step of the way on your journey to recovery, from beginning to end. At North Port Behavioral Health, your care journey will include:
- A comprehensive evaluation: We conduct in-depth assessments to better understand each patient’s needs, which allows us to create a personalized treatment plan that supports them in achieving their wellness goals.
- Care from empathetic, expert staff: Our team of skilled professionals is committed to the well-being of each patient, offering emotional support and guidance as they work toward making positive changes in their lives.
- A customized treatment plan: We develop individualized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our therapies and services are customized to be both relevant and effective.
- Evidence-based therapies: We utilize proven therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and 12-Step principles. These therapeutic options have been shown to help people who have mental health concerns and co-occurring substance use disorders address their symptoms and live healthier lives.
- A detailed aftercare plan: At North Port Behavioral Health, we recognize that recovery doesn’t end when treatment ends. Our aftercare plans are designed to help ensure a patient’s continued progress long after they have left treatment. We offer follow-up care referrals and recommendations to provide patients with ongoing support and promote long-term recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health concern and a co-occurring opioid addiction, we encourage you to reach out to us at North Port Behavioral Health today. Our team is available to guide you through the intake process and help you take the first step toward recovery. Contact us now to begin your healing journey.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at North Port Behavioral Health.