Opioid addiction is a chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of opioids, which include prescription painkillers (like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine), synthetic opioids (like fentanyl), and illegal drugs like heroin. Opioids interact with the brain’s reward system, producing intense feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and pain relief, which can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
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What are Opioids?
Opioids represent a broad class of drugs that include synthetic substances like fentanyl, prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine, as well as the illegal drug heroin.1,2 While some opioids are available legally through prescriptions, others, like heroin, are entirely illegal and have no approved medical use.3 The prescription opioids, however, are not without risks, as they can be diverted for illegal use or misused by those they are prescribed to.4
Opioids are primarily prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, but some are also used for cough suppression and diarrhea relief. These drugs function by blocking pain signals to the brain while increasing dopamine levels in specific areas, producing both pain relief and a sense of euphoria.3 This combination makes opioids highly addictive, with repeated use often driven by their euphoric effects.
Due to their high potential for abuse and dependence, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration categorizes many opioids, including fentanyl, hydrocodone, and oxycodone, as Schedule II substances. In contrast, heroin is classified as a Schedule I substance, indicating its lack of medical use and high abuse potential.5
The misuse of opioids—both prescribed and illicit—remains a major driver of the overdose crisis in the United States. According to results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.9 million Americans aged 12 and older misused opioids in the past year, with prescription pain relievers being the most commonly misused. Around 6.1 million people were diagnosed with an opioid use disorder.
What is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction, or opioid use disorder (OUD), is marked by a compulsive urge to use opioids, even when it leads to serious disruptions in a person’s daily life.7
Opioids are highly addictive substances that can create strong physical dependence over time. People who misuse opioids frequently may experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop use, making it difficult to quit without help.3
These drugs also significantly alter the brain’s dopamine reward system, which governs feelings of pleasure, reward, and reinforcement. By taking control of this system, opioids increase the urge to continue using them, as the brain becomes wired to seek out that rewarding feeling.8
Despite being a chronic and relapsing condition, OUD can be successfully managed with evidence-based treatment methods, offering hope for lasting recovery.7
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Types of Opioids
Opioids are medications derived from the opium poppy or created in labs to mirror its chemical structure. They’re often prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain, like after surgery or injury. In some cases, they are also used for conditions like persistent coughing or severe diarrhea. Common prescription opioids include:3
- Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin®)
- Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin®, Percocet®)
- Oxymorphone (e.g., Opana®)
- Morphine (e.g., Kadian®, Avinza®)
- Codeine
In addition to the opioids listed above, this drug class also includes other substances like fentanyl and heroin. These drugs work by relaxing the body and easing pain, but they can also produce a sense of euphoria, making them prone to misuse. This can lead to serious risks, as opioids are highly addictive, and their misuse can result in overdoses or death. Notably, heroin, one of the most dangerous opioids, has no medical use in the U.S.3
Side Effects of Opioid Use
Prescription opioids are effective at relieving pain and often create a sense of relaxation or even happiness. But they also come with a range of potential side effects, including:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Euphoria
- Slowed breathing
Misusing opioids can dangerously slow down breathing, leading to hypoxia—a condition where the brain receives insufficient oxygen. Hypoxia can cause a variety of short- and long-term problems, such as cognitive impairments, coma, or even death. Researchers are exploring whether the damage caused by long-term opioid use can be reversed and how addiction impacts the brain over time.
What is an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)?
Opioid use disorder (OUD), often referred to as opioid addiction, is a substance use disorder characterized by a pattern of opioid use that leads to significant impairment or distress. This chronic yet treatable condition can impact anyone, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or background.
A diagnosis of OUD is based on specific criteria, such as repeated failed attempts to control use, continued use despite negative consequences, or neglect of responsibilities at work, school, or home. If untreated, OUD can have severe consequences, including overdose and death.9 In 2022, an estimated 6.1 million people were affected by this disorder, highlighting its widespread impact.9
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What Increases Your Risk of Opioid Use Disorder?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Anyone using prescription opioids is at risk, as these medications can lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, increasing the potential for overdose. Physical dependence can also develop, marked by withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped.9
Misusing opioids—such as taking higher doses, using them more frequently than prescribed, or consuming them in non-prescribed ways like crushing and snorting—dramatically raises the risk of addiction and overdose. These risks are further heightened when opioids are combined with other substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or sleep aids, which can dangerously slow breathing and lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.3,9
The duration of opioid use is a significant factor. Even a short period of use can increase the likelihood of long-term dependence. For instance, using opioids for just five days can elevate the risk of continued use a year later.3
Genetic, psychological, and environmental factors also contribute to OUD risk. Young adults, those with a history of substance misuse, individuals facing stressors like unemployment, and people with mental health conditions or trauma are particularly vulnerable.3
Women have specific risks due to higher rates of chronic pain, longer treatment durations, and higher doses of prescribed opioids, making them more prone to dependence.3
Proper use, secure storage, and safe disposal of opioids are crucial preventive measures. Avoid exceeding prescribed doses, combining opioids with other sedatives, and always dispose of unused medications safely to reduce risks for yourself and others.9
Opioid Addiction Treatment Options
Treating opioid addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. Effective treatment often combines medication and behavioral therapies, as research shows that integrating these methods yields the best results. Key treatment options for opioid addiction include:
Medical Detox
Medical detox is often the first step in treating opioid addiction. It focuses on managing the intense withdrawal symptoms that occur when someone stops using opioid. Common symptoms include muscle pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and restlessness. To ease these symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse during this critical phase, medications like lofexidine, a non-opioid medicine, can be used. While detox alone is not a complete treatment, it lays the groundwork for ongoing care and evidence-based therapies that follow.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment provides an immersive, structured environment where individuals receive 24/7 care. Patients stay at the facility for 30-90 days and participate in daily therapy, group counseling, and holistic activities like meditation, exercise, or art therapy. This setting is ideal for those with severe addiction, as it removes them from triggers and allows for focused recovery efforts.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program offers a high level of care while allowing patients to return home each day. Typically running 5-7 days a week, PHPs provide intensive therapy, medical support, relapse prevention, and skill-building. It’s often used as a step-down from inpatient care or as an alternative for those needing more structure than standard outpatient programs.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program provides structured support while maintaining flexibility. Patients attend therapy sessions and group counseling several times a week, allowing them to fulfill personal, work, or school responsibilities. IOPs focus on coping strategies, relapse prevention, and accountability, making them a suitable option for those transitioning from higher levels of care.
Standard Outpatient Treatment Program (OP)
Standard outpatient treatment involves weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions centered on relapse prevention and ongoing recovery support. It is less intensive and often serves as a step-down from IOP or as the primary treatment for those with mild addiction who have a strong support system.
Pharmacological Treatment (Medications)
Medications are crucial for managing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and supporting long-term recovery. Some of the most effective options include:
- Methadone: A slow-acting opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a high. Methadone is dispensed daily at approved treatment centers.
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone®): A partial agonist that helps control cravings while minimizing the risk of misuse. It can be prescribed by certified doctors, making it more accessible than other medications. Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone to prevent abuse.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol®): An opioid antagonist that blocks opioid’s effects. It is non-addictive, administered monthly, and helps prevent relapse.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies are an essential part of opioid addiction treatment and can be delivered in both outpatient and residential settings:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify triggers and develop healthier coping strategies, focusing on altering drug-related behaviors and thought patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation, providing skills to handle difficult emotions and sustain recovery.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): MET guides clients to find personal motivation for recovery, addressing any ambivalence, and fostering commitment to a substance-free life.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): REBT helps clients identify and replace negative, irrational beliefs with constructive thoughts that support recovery.
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT): SFT focuses on present and future solutions, helping clients recognize strengths and make small changes that contribute to lasting sobriety.
Aftercare Planning
Aftercare is essential for sustaining long-term recovery and may include therapy, 12-step programs, sober living options, or alumni programs. Our Kentucky treatment centers emphasize aftercare to help individuals build a fulfilling life beyond addiction, offering continued support for managing triggers and maintaining sobriety.
Effective treatment plans for opioid addiction must be tailored to the individual, considering their unique needs to ensure both immediate and long-term recovery success.
Rehab might feel like a big step, but it's important to remember why you're here—you’re seeking answers and looking for a way forward. We can help.
Overcome Opioid Addiction Today
Our addiction treatment center in Kentucky aims to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals struggling with opioid addiction and other substance use disorders. Our programs address the unique needs of each individual and incorporate evidence-based therapies to promote lasting recovery. Treatment options for opioid addiction include inpatient and outpatient programs along with specialized treatment plans for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders. If you or a loved one is ready to overcome opioid addiction and associated mental health conditions, call our Kentucky rehab at (888) 771-8718 or contact us here.
For additional information or to find addiction treatment and mental health services in your area, contact us directly or visit SAMSHA’s treatment locator. For immediate assistance, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or (888) 771-8718 to speak to a treatment specialist at our Kentucky rehab.
View Article References
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- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Opioids.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Commonly Used Terms.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Prescription Opioids DrugFacts.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heroin.
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Drug scheduling.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP23-07-01-006, NSDUH Series H-58). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, March 22). Drugs and the brain.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Opioid Prevention.
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