Opana Abuse Problem
Opana is the brand name of a relatively new semi-synthetic and narcotic prescription painkiller generically known as oxymorphone. It is seven times stronger than morphine and is highly addictive. Its only legitimate use is in the treatment of severe acute pain for short periods of time. It is still a relatively rare drug to find through illicit trade, and it fetches a fairly high price on the street. Due to its intensity and its cost it is sometimes referred to as a “rich man’s opiate.”
How Opana Addiction Works
Opana treats physical pain by binding to specialized chemical receptors in the central nervous system and blocking the transmission of their signals to the brain. As it does this, it also suspends the body’s production of naturally occurring pain management chemicals such as endorphins. If the user stops taking the drug, they will likely experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Intense pain throughout the bones, muscles and joints
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever, chills, cold sweats and skin crawls
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Nightmares
- Seizures
- Depression and possible thoughts of suicide
These symptoms may last anywhere from a few days to more than a week and may be significantly relieved through rehabilitation programs that provide medically supervised detox services. As painful and distressing as physical withdrawal is, it is the psychological power of the disease that creates the most significant challenges to recovery. In the process of blocking physical pain Opana also blocks symptoms of the following mental or emotional disorders:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Borderline personality disorder
- Addictive behaviors
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Eating disorders
- Self-esteem deficiency
- Schizophrenia
The brain crave relief from these or other issues, and these cravings occur in a part of the mind that is much more influential over behavior than rational thought. For this reason most Opana addicts will be unable to resist the drug, even if they consciously desire to quit. While physical addiction tends to run its course in a matter of days, the following symptoms of psychological addiction may last for months or even years:
- Dishonesty about Opana use to friends, loved ones, doctors, pharmacists or law enforcement
- Taking higher doses or taking Opana more frequently than prescribed
- Thinking constantly about having a supply of the drug available
- Losing interest in previously important activities and relationships
- Denying an addiction, even when the evidence and consequences suggest that you do
- Expressing defensiveness, anger or justification when confronted about your Opana use
- Mixing the drug with other drugs or alcohol in order to intensify the effects
Because of the strength of Opana there is a risk that as a tolerance to it builds, users may turn to
heroin to satisfy their increasing cravings.
Successful Opana Addiction Treatment
As difficult as Opana recovery can be you can be free from this horrible disease with the right help. The most successful Opana treatment programs offer the following therapeutic tools:
- Dual Diagnosis treatment of the addiction and all underlying psychological issues
- Medically supervised detox services to relieve withdrawal symptoms
- Personal counseling to help you develop understanding and coping skills
- Support group meetings for peer support and advice
In many cases traditional rehab programs do not adequately address all of the co-occurring elements of Opana addiction successfully. For the best possible treatment assistance call our toll-free helpline. We can help you find the best treatment programs, or we can simply talk with you about your concerns. Call today.
