Opioid Addiction

As the nation continues to grapple with the opioid epidemic, many families in Intervale, New Hampshire, are looking for support. Valerie Lozier, PsyD, FNP-BC, and the team at Lozier Medicine LLC are here to help with caring, compassionate opioid addiction services. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and book a visit, or schedule online in just a few moments. 

What are opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include illegal substances like heroin in addition to a wide range of prescription medications, including morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and others. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and is incredibly powerful. 

Opioids trigger your body to release endorphins, which create incredible feelings of pleasure and well-being. Many people develop a tolerance to opioids, and their bodies begin to produce fewer endorphins. This causes them to seek out even more opioids to get the same reaction. That’s often how addiction begins.  

What are some signs of opioid addiction?

Knowing what to look for can help you now when it’s time to seek help for yourself or a loved one. Some of the signs of opioid addiction include:

• Taking prescription pain medications in a manner other than the provider’s instructions
• Withdrawal from loved ones or favorite activities
• Feeling a need to take opioid medications when there is no pain, “just in case”
• Trying to get multiple prescriptions from different doctors
• Sleeping more or less than normal
• Eating more or less than normal
• Poor decision-making
• Distinct mood swings

If you notice these changes in yourself or someone you love, it may be time to seek professional help for opioid addiction. 

When is the right time to see opioid medication treatment?

It’s important to take action as soon as you realize there’s a problem. Opioid addiction can worsen quickly, and as an individual becomes reliant on higher doses, the problem grows even worse.

Some people who become addicted to their pain medication will eventually turn to heroin when they can no longer obtain pain medication through legal means. This brings on an even higher level of risk due to the illicit drug trade. 

In many cases, addiction is easiest to treat in the early stages, before an individual has caused severe damage to their health and relationships. Having a strong support system in place is one of the leading factors in a successful recovery. 

If you’re concerned about opioid addiction, reach out to the team at Lozier Medicine LLC for help. You can schedule a confidential consultation online or over the phone today.