Opioid and Opiate Addiction
Opioid addiction refers to dependence on a group of drugs known as opioids. These drugs are used to relieve pain and include both prescribed medications such as codeine or morphine and illegal substances such as heroin.
Understanding Opiates and Opioids Addiction
While opioids can be effective for short-term pain relief, they also carry a significant risk of dependence. Over time the body can adapt to the presence of opioids, meaning higher doses may be needed to achieve the same effect. For some people this gradually develops into addiction — particularly when opioids are used regularly, for longer than intended, or as a way of managing stress, anxiety or emotional pain.
Opioid addiction can be difficult to overcome because of the strong physical dependence these drugs can create. With the right medical and therapeutic support, however, recovery is possible.
Common Opioids
Opioids vary in their strength, availability and typical patterns of use. The following pages explain the two most common forms of opioid addiction we support at Abbington House:
Other opioids — including oxycodone, morphine and fentanyl — follow similar patterns of dependence and are also treated within our programme.
How Opioid Dependence Develops
With regular opioid use, the brain’s receptors gradually become less responsive. This process, known as tolerance, means the same dose produces less effect over time.
People may begin taking higher doses or using opioids more frequently simply to feel normal. Over time the body can become physically dependent on the drug.
When opioid use is reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms can occur. For many people, the discomfort of withdrawal becomes one of the main reasons continued use feels necessary, even when they want to stop.
Opioid Withdrawal
Withdrawal can occur when someone who is physically dependent on opioids reduces or stops use. Symptoms may include muscle aches, sweating, restlessness, anxiety, nausea and intense cravings.
While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable. Medical supervision during this stage can help reduce symptoms and make the process safer and more manageable.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Treatment for opioid addiction usually involves both medical and psychological support. Detox helps stabilise the body during withdrawal, while therapy focuses on understanding the patterns behind substance use and developing healthier coping strategies.
For people whose opioid use has significantly affected daily life, structured residential treatment can provide the stability and support needed to begin recovery.
At Abbington House, opioid addiction is treated within our residential rehab programme, where medically supervised detox is available alongside therapeutic care. You can also learn more about how we approach drug rehab at Abbington House.