Search
Close this search box.

Opium Addiction: Stats, Symptoms, & Recovery

man in gray shirt representing tizanidine addiction

Updated July 26, 2024

picture of Joe Gilmore
Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

picture of Joe Gilmore
Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

man in gray shirt representing tizanidine addiction

Table of Contents

Opium is a highly habit-forming drug that can lead to dependence and addiction. Tolerance and dependence build rapidly with this substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon quitting.

This guide examines the signs and symptoms of opium addiction and shows you how to get effective treatment for substance abuse.

What are Opium Drugs?

Opium is a powerful drug that comes from the unripe seedpods of the opium poppy plant, which is part of the Papaveraceae family. To harvest opium, farmers make small cuts in the poppy seedpods after the flower petals fall off. These cuts release a milky juice that hardens and turns brown when exposed to air, creating a substance called raw opium.

Raw opium can be ground into a powder or shaped into lumps, cakes, or bricks. It is also processed to make other drugs like morphine, codeine, and heroin. These drugs are known as opiates.

Opiates are commonly used in medicine to relieve pain. However, they can be very addictive, so use them only as prescribed by a doctor. Misusing opium and its derivatives can lead to serious health problems and addiction. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when using these powerful drugs to stay safe and healthy.

Is Opium Addictive?

Yes, opium is highly addictive. When people use opium, they can rapidly develop tolerance. Meaning that over time, they require more of the drug to feel the same effects as before. As a result, they often start consuming higher doses of opium.

With regular use, the body gets used to opium, and its effects become weaker. To achieve the same level of pain relief or euphoria, people have to take larger amounts of the drug. As tolerance builds, people might take higher doses, which can be very dangerous and increase the risk of overdose.

Over time, the body becomes dependent on opium. This means the person feels they need the drug to function normally. If they stop taking it, they might experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be very uncomfortable and sometimes severe. Dependence often leads to addiction, where the person has a strong craving for opium and finds it very hard to stop using it. Addiction can take over a person’s life, affecting their health, relationships, and daily activities.

Signs of addiction include strong cravings for opium, taking more opium than intended, or being unable to stop using it. People might also neglect their responsibilities at work, school, or home because of their opium use. Unfortunately, they might continue to use opium even when it causes problems in their life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opium addiction, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Treatment options are available to help overcome addiction and lead a healthier life.

Stats About Opium Addiction

Data from SAMHSA shows that:

  • 8.9 million U.S. over-18s used opioids like opium in 2022.
  • 2.9 million used opioids in the past month, up from 2.8 million people in 2021.
  • Of these, 5.8 million became addicted.

According to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), the number of opioid overdoses in the United States has risen from 49,000 in 2019 to 81,000 in 2022.

image depicting the question is opium addictive

Symptoms of Opium Addiction

Opium addiction has many signs that can affect your life. According to DSM-5-TR, there are 11 symptoms to watch out for:

  1. Feeling a strong need or urge to use opium.
  2. Using more opium than you planned or using it for longer than you intended.
  3. Wanting to stop or cut down on opium use but not being able to.
  4. Spending a lot of your time getting opium, using it, or recovering from its effects.
  5. Not doing important things at work, school, or home because of opium use.
  6. Stopping or cutting back on activities you used to enjoy because of opium.
  7. Using opium even when you know it’s causing problems in your life, like making you sick or getting you in trouble.
  8. Needing more opium to get the same effect or noticing that the same amount doesn’t work as well anymore.
  9. Feeling sick when you stop using opium. Symptoms can include feeling tired, nervous, or having stomach pain.
  10. Using opium in situations where it’s dangerous, like when driving or using heavy machinery.
  11. Continuing to use opium even though it’s causing physical health problems or making you feel anxious or depressed.

If you or someone you know shows these symptoms, get help from a doctor or a mental health professional. They can provide the support and treatment needed to overcome opium addiction and improve your quality of life.

Methods to Treat Opium Addiction

Treating opium addiction involves different methods to help people recover and stay healthy. Here are some common ways to treat opium addiction:

  • MAT: MAT (medication-assisted treatment) uses medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications make it easier to stop using opium.
  • Psychotherapy: Talking with a therapist can help you understand why you use opium and how to stop. Therapists use different techniques to help you change your behavior.
  • Counseling: Individual or group counseling provides support and teaches coping skills. It helps you deal with stress and avoid triggers that make you want to use opium.
  • Holistic treatments: These treatments focus on the whole person. They can include yoga, meditation, exercise, and healthy eating to support recovery.
  • Family therapy: Involving family members in therapy can help heal relationships and build a support system. It helps everyone understand the addiction and how to support recovery.
  • Aftercare: Aftercare programs help you stay on track after treatment. They can include support groups, ongoing counseling, and other resources to prevent relapse.

Using these methods together can provide a strong support system for overcoming opium addiction and leading a healthier life.

Finding the Best Rehab for Opium Addiction | 6 Steps

Finding the right rehab for opium addiction is important for recovery. Look for rehabs that specialize in opium addiction. You can find information online, in reviews, and by talking to healthcare professionals.

Take these 6 steps to find an opioid rehab that’s right for you:

  1. Choose a rehab that is accredited. This means it meets high standards of care.
  2. Make sure the rehab offers different treatment methods, like MAT, talk therapy, counseling, and holistic treatments. The more options they have, the better they can meet your needs.
  3. Check if the rehab has qualified and experienced staff, including doctors, therapists, and counselors specializing in addiction treatment.
  4. Find out if the rehab involves family in the treatment process. Family support can be very helpful in recovery.
  5. A good rehab will offer aftercare programs to help you stay on track after you finish treatment. This can include support groups and ongoing counseling.
  6. Consider the location and environment of the rehab. Some people do better in a place that is close to home, while others need to be away from their usual surroundings. A comfortable and supportive environment can make a big difference.

By taking these steps, you can find a rehab that provides the best care and support for overcoming opium addiction. Always talk to healthcare professionals for recommendations and guidance.

Call 866.330.9449 to speak with the addiction professionals at Renaissance Recovery and get guidance on rehab admissions, your options, and more.

image depicting opium addiction treatment

Get Science-Backed Modalities & Therapeutic Treatment for Opium Addiction at Renaissance Recovery

Now you know what is opium drugs, reach out to Renaissance Recovery for help dealing with addiction to opioids. We can help you find medical detox centers across California so you can make the opium withdrawal process safer and easier.

We offer various outpatient treatment programs at our California and Florida rehabs, enabling you to meet your commitments at home, work, or school while attending weekday therapy sessions at Renaissance.

We deliver personalized care that includes the following treatments:

Call our recovery experts today at 866.330.9449.

SHARE THIS POST

THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE

At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible. Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment.

Search
Close this search box.

Text a Recovery Expert

Text our team to get the help you need ASAP.

Search
Close this search box.

Use Our 24 Hour text line. You can ask questions about our program, the admissions process, and more.