Also known as “narcotic painkillers”, opiates become a part of a class of drugs called opioids. Howere, the terms “opiates” and “opioids” are now often used as one name. Opiates are the drugs derived from opium poppies and opioids are the synthetic drugs. Some of the common opiates or opioids are oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine and vicodin. These are all legal and prescribed painkillers.
Consumption of opiate interrupts the body’s natural ways of identifying, reducing and coping with physical pain. Excessive use of this drug could reduce and eventually stop these natural functions.
As the opiate consumption increases, the amount of natural painkillers produced by the brain decreases eventually leading to an addiction. If the person stops the consumption right away, even a minor pain seems too much for the body to handle. Thus, leading to withdrawal symptoms. However, this can be treated and the consumer can lead a happy and a healthy life again.
Establishing A Healthy Environment
A recovering opiate user can live in an environment where living sober is encouraged. This reduces the chances of relapse.
Having supportive family members and friends can help a great deal during the recovery process. Going back to a home where family members have stained relationships may arise the urge to take opiates again. Being with supportive family members and friends could become your new go – to place when in trouble or experiencing cravings instead of opiates.
Support Groups Help Overcome Cravings
Support groups also play an important role in the treatment process. Being surrounded by people like yourselves can help you in many ways. You all can share your feelings, emotions, thoughts, struggles, etc. to ease out your pain.
You may also build new relations with your peers which can last longer, sometimes even for life time. There are chances that you may also find a sponsor for yourself. A sponsor would help you prevent relapse whenever you feel like you might have one. He or she will guide you through the difficulties and keep you away from opiates. Therefore, being with support groups helps everyone to recover faster. Call us now to learn more!