Opiate Counseling St. Charles IL – Bellosa Counseling – Call 847-656-5259

A type of drug, opioids are also sometimes known as narcotics. They can include powerful prescription pain relievers, like fentanyl, tramadol oxycodone and hydrocodone. Heroin, an illegal drug, is an opioid, too. Some opioids are synthetic and others are made from opium plants.

A doctor may provide you with a prescription opioid in order to relieve pain after you have had an injury or major surgery. Or you might receive them if you are experiencing severe pain from significant health conditions such as cancer. Some physicians will prescribe opioids or chronic pain.

Opioids may cause side effects like nausea, drowsiness, constipation and mental fog. They also may lead to slowed breathing that can increase the risk of overdose deaths. In the event someone shows signs of an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately:

• The person appears very pale or feels clammy.
• Their body suddenly goes limp.
• Their lips or fingernails have a purple or bluish color.
• They vomit or make gurgling noises.
• You can’t awaken the person or they’re able to speak.
• Their breathing or pulse slows or completely stops.

Other risks that can come with the use of prescription opioids include addiction and dependence. Dependence means experiencing the symptoms of withdrawal when not taking the drug.

Opiate Counseling St. Charles IL

A chronic brain disease, addiction can cause a person to compulsively seek drugs, even when they cause harm. The risk of addiction increases if one misuses the medication.

Opioid abuse, overdoses and addiction are major public health issues across the USA. Another problem is when women misuse opioids during a pregnancy. The consequence can be babies born addicted who must then go through withdrawal, which is known as neonatal abstinence syndrome. The misuse of opioids may sometimes also result in the use of heroin.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with addiction, call 847-656-5259 to schedule Opiate Counseling today.