The opioid crisis is a persistent and growing problem in the United States and refers to the misuse of opioids, including prescription painkillers and heroin. North Carolina is no exception to this epidemic; opioid use, misuse, and addiction are on the rise and have become increasingly difficult to manage. The opioid crisis in North Carolina requires a community effort, including professional opioid addiction treatment in North Carolina. Insight Recovery Center in Asheville offers addiction treatment services for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Call 828.826.1376 today to learn how we can help you or a loved one break the cycle of opioid addiction.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers and the street drug heroin. Common opioids found in North Carolina include the following:
- Hydrocodone – This includes drugs like Vicodin and Lortab.
- Oxycodone – This includes drugs like OxyContin and Percocet.
- Fentanyl – Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and is typically prescribed for severe pain or in combination with other drugs.
- Heroin – Heroin is an illegal opioid drug that usually appears as a white or brown powder.
- Morphine – Morphine is a synthetic opioid that is usually prescribed for pain relief.
While many of these drugs have medical uses and are legally prescribed, they are also addictive. It is all too common for individuals to take prescribed painkillers as intended but then start misusing them by taking them more frequently than needed or in larger doses, ultimately leading to dependency.
What Are the Symptoms of Opioid Dependence?
If you or someone you know may be suffering from opioid addiction in North Carolina, there are some signs to look out for.
- Physical changes – Opioid dependence often leads to noticeable physical symptoms such as drowsiness, weight loss, and lack of hygiene. You might also observe frequent flu-like symptoms, such as nausea or fever, which are withdrawal symptoms when the person doesn’t take the opioid.
- Behavioral changes – Individuals struggling with opioid addiction may start to behave differently. This can include sudden mood swings, bouts of extreme energy or lethargy, or secretive behavior. They may also start neglecting responsibilities or show a decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Increased tolerance – Over time, a person may need to consume larger amounts of the opioid to achieve the same effects. This increased tolerance can be a clear sign of developing dependency.
- Withdrawal symptoms – If a person stops taking the opioid or significantly reduces the dose, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, and diarrhea.
- Continued use despite negative consequences – If someone continues to use opioids even though it’s causing significant problems in their life – such as job loss, relationship difficulties, or health issues – this is a strong indicator of addiction. They might also express a desire to quit or cut down on opioid use but find themselves unable to do so.
Remember, noticing these signs in yourself or someone else doesn’t confirm an addiction, but they do indicate that it’s time to seek professional help. Insight Recovery Center in Asheville, North Carolina, is here to provide the necessary support and treatment.
The Benefits of Professional Treatment at Insight Recovery Center in Asheville, NC
At Insight Recovery Center, we aim to help individuals break the cycle of addiction, including opioid addiction. We offer evidence-based drug treatment services in a safe and supportive environment. Our highly trained professionals provide personalized care and develop individualized treatment plans for each client. Treatment typically includes a combination of group counseling, experiential therapy, relapse prevention techniques, and recovery support services.
Our Asheville center provides a partial hospitalization program (PHP) that offers around-the-clock monitoring, treatment, and support with a high level of structure and accountability. Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides the flexibility necessary to attend to personal or professional obligations while still maintaining a structured treatment regimen. We also offer gender-specific treatment and aftercare support and accept most major insurance providers.
Call 828.826.1376 or reach out online to get started with our compassionate treatment specialists today.