"In 2019, an estimated 10.1 million people aged 12 or older misused opioids in the past year. Specifically, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers and 745,000 people used heroin," according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Kent Smalley of Edmond, OK, recognizes the impact of opioids on the U.S. and provides patients in the Oklahoma City area with addiction treatment at Neurowellness Clinic.
What are opioids?
Opioids are drugs extracted from the opium poppy plant to relieve pain. Opioids are prescription medications that block pain signals between the brain and the body. Opioids have other effects like making people feel relaxed or happy (high) and are addictive.
Types of opioids include prescription opioids, like OxyContin and Vicodin; fentanyl, a synthetic opioid stronger than morphine; and heroin, an illegal drug.
Opioids have additional side effects like:
- slowed breathing
- constipation
- nausea
- confusion
- drowsiness
What is opioid addiction?
Regular use of opioids requires higher and more frequent doses because people build tolerance and dependence. Long-term use leads to Opioid-use Disorder. Misuse causes fatal overdose and respiratory depression, among other things.
How long does opioid addiction treatment take?
You must first detox from opioids using medication-assisted treatment combined with mindfulness counseling to manage withdrawal. Medications used by your Oklahoma City doctor reduce withdrawal symptoms, stop cravings, and normalizes brain chemicals.
Counseling helps you understand why and how you became addicted in the first place and helps you recognize factors leading to relapse. Dr. Smalley also provides patients with coping mechanisms to help deal with stressful situations to prevent relapses.
What withdrawal symptoms do people encounter during addiction treatment?
Your Edmond, OK, doctor is here to support you throughout your recovery journey but it's important to know what you or a loved one may endure:
- Mood swings
- Drug dreams
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Poor concentration
Would you like to speak with a doctor?
Dr. Smalley of Edmond, OK, can help. Contact his Oklahoma City office, Neurowellness Clinic, at (405) 696-3773.