Opana Addiction Fast Facts
Oxymorphone, the Schedule II prescription painkiller most often known by the brand name Opana, first gained popularity on the street when OxyContin was made difficult to use through chemical reformulations. People abuse Opana for its relaxing effects, and the euphoric feelings it creates. Opana addiction is a possibility among regular users of the drug who consume use large quantities.
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Understanding Opana Addiction: 5 Fast Facts
Here are five fast facts about how addiction to this drug works:
This is what happens during an Opana high
Taken orally for pain, a 20mg dose of Opana once every six hours is as much as any doctor will prescribe. Recreational users, however, may take two, three or even four times as much. The quantity needed to create a high depends on the method of use. Pills that are crushed before being swallowed or pills that are crushed and injected can cause rapid and very intense highs.
There are many immediate effects of such abuse. Users experience drowsiness and slowed breathing, and often report experiencing a lack of inhibition, and coordination. A chemically induced feeling of well-being or even a feeling of euphoria is common.
How does Opana addiction happen?
Opana addiction happens in two ways – the physical way and a psychological way. When the drug is repeatedly used, it can cause the brain to physically adapt to the presence of the drug, thereby requiring the presence of the drug to function in a way. Attempting to quit can create serious disruption in the form of withdrawal symptoms.
Psychological addiction to Opana occurs in the brain’s reward center when it is repeatedly exposed to large quantities of the drug. While the initial response of the reward center is to produce feelings of euphoria, it can quickly give way to emotional attachment, an effect that creates cravings.
To be effective, rehab treatment needs to address both the physical addiction and psychological addiction. The first is treated through detox, the second through long-term therapy.
Opana addiction is dangerous
While addiction to the drug, by itself, can destroy a person’s health, there is another, more serious danger associated with Opana abuse — overdosing. When the brain begins to physically adapt to the presence of Opana in the blood, it can lead to tolerance, a condition that motivates users to raise their dose. Such enhanced doses can lead to risk of overdosing, a condition that is often deadly.
Opana withdrawal can be painful
It isn’t hard to identify an addiction to Opana by oneself. It can begin with withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and restlessness and go on to mood swings and seizures. Opana is a serious drug with withdrawal symptoms that can be both disturbing and life-threatening. Luckily, Opana withdrawal can be treated.
Treating Opana addiction in rehab is a good idea
Use of Opana is dangerous. Depression of the heart rate is one example of the kind of outcome possible in addiction. The common tendency to mix Opana with alcohol or other drugs is another area of risk. Attempting to quit can be dangerous, as well, however. Many individuals try quitting on their own, but then, find that they are unable to put up with the cravings and the other sources of pain and discomfort. When they decide to take a hit again, they usually go with a larger amount than usual, resulting in an overdose.
In most cases, inpatient rehab is advisable. Inpatient rehab gives patients one-on-one attention. It can lead to far better outcomes.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Opana addiction or another substance, Better Addiction Care can help. Call us today at 888-807-0464.
