What is Opiate Addiction/ Dependence?

Opiate Addiction/ Dependence


Taking strong opioid painkillers, in large doses,
for an extended period of time, can cause
physical dependence in humans. This means
when the medication is discontinued abruptly,
withdrawal symptoms occur. This is normal
physiology and does not require addiction
treatment. However, if an uncontrollable
compulsion develops and is accompanied by an
increased quantity of drug to achieve the same
effect, and opioid use continues despite negative
consequences, such as loss of a job, then these
conditions may be considered addiction and may
require treatment.


Opioid addiction is a brain disease


Opiate Addiction Is a Brain Disease
Opioid addiction is a treatable chronic brain
disease precipitated by fundamental, long-term,
changes to the structure and functioning of this
organ. Once someone becomes addicted, areas
of the brain are altered from the normal healthy
state. This is why addiction is classified as a
disease. These are physical changes to the brain –
not caused by lack of morals, controlled by
willpower, nor cured by good advice. It’s a disease
as is diabetes or cancer, and it is treatable.


The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA2000)


The Act enables qualified physicians to prescribe
and/or dispense opioid medications for the purpose
of treating opioid dependency (addiction). For the
first time in over 30 years, physicians are able to
treat this disease from their private offices or other
clinical settings. This presents a very desirable
treatment option for those who are unwilling or
unable to seek help in drug treatment clinics.
Patients can now be treated in the privacy
of their doctor’s office. One medication doctors
may now prescribe for treating Opiate addiction is
Suboxone also known as Buprenorphine.