Wellness Report
September 2013 - National Recovery Month
September is National Recovery Month. Supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this observance is designed to educate Americans about substance abuse and the services that are available to those who need assistance with their dependence. Recovery month also serves to acknowledge those who have made achievements in their recovery. Over 23 million Americans are dependent on drugs or alcohol, and of those, only 11% actually receive treatment. National Recovery Month can provide resources for those seeking treatment help and guides them in the right direction towards recovery.
Opioid Addiction
As of 2009, 2 million people in the US reported abusing or being addicted to prescription medications. The most commonly abused medication was opioid painkillers. Opioids are commonly prescribed as pain management medications. Drugs in the opioid family include morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. These drugs are easy to become addicted to, as they act on the brain's pleasure centers.
Dopamine is a natural chemical released by the brain, and this neurotransmitter is responsible for many of our pleasurable and happy feelings. A person addicted to opioid drugs may abuse them to achieve dopamine "highs." Opioids attach to dopamine receptors, allowing a flow of dopamine, and consequently, good feelings, to flood the body. When the opioids leave the body, a person "comes down" from the high. A person who is addicted to opioids cannot achieve that dopamine high without having opioids in their system.
Symptoms of Addiction
Those dependent on opioids may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Compulsion to take the drug
- Difficulty controlling their drug-taking
- Drug tolerance
- Neglecting alternative pleasure to take the drug
- Continuing to take the drug despite negative effects
Recovery from addiction is often very difficult. Withdrawal symptoms are often severe, including:
Tremors Cramps Itching Flu-like symptoms Muscle Pain Bone Pain Restlessness Rapid heartbeart Anxiety Panic Attacks Cravings Paranoia Insomnia Dizziness Nausea
There is only an approximate 25% success rate for those who quit cold turkey. Drug recovery programs are typically more effective than quitting cold turkey in treating opioid addiction, and there are certain drug therapies that can drastically increase success rates for those seeking treatment.
Recovery
Alongside counseling, certain physician prescribed drug recovery programs, such as suboxone treatment, are available.
Suboxone is an FDA approved medication used to ease withdrawal symptoms for those recovering from opioid dependence. This medication is considered to be a "partial agonist," whereas opioids are "full agonists." Low doses of a partial agonist, like suboxone, can drastically reduce withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone acts like an opioid on dopamine receptors, effectively filling the same "spaces" and generating the same pleasurable feelings. Additionally, suboxone lasts much longer than a full agonist, often up to 24 hours. By filling theses "spaces," suboxone prevents opioid drugs from being used by the body, and users are unable to achieve a high. Since suboxone is a partial agonist, it does not produce the same intense high as a full agonist would. Patients report feeling energized and happy, but not "high." Suboxone treatment is only available through a physician. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for opioid dependence, make an appointment with Dr. Nunn to see if subxone treatment can help. To schedule an appointment, call the Community Wellness Center at 252-633-6636.
Sources
www.recoverymonth.gov
www.suboxone.com
http://buprenophine.samhsa.gov
