Tag: Opioids

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Cross-Tolerance: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Drug Interactions and Safety

Have you noticed that your pain medication isn’t working as well as it used to? Or wondered why you need higher doses of anxiety medication after using other substances? This might be due to cross-tolerance, a fascinating but often misunderstood process that affects people taking multiple medications or using substances alongside their medications.

Cross-tolerance happens when building tolerance to one substance affects how your body responds to another, seemingly different substance. This isn’t just a curiosity; it has real impacts on medication effectiveness, overdose risk, addiction recovery, and your everyday health management. 

Let’s explore how cross-tolerance develops, look at some real-world examples, and discuss practical strategies for managing its effects on your treatment and your health.

What Is Cross-Tolerance?

Cross-tolerance is when your body’s adaptation to one substance lessens your response to another substance that works in similar ways. If your brain gets used to one type of substance, it might also become less responsive to other substances that affect similar receptors. 

The American Psychological Association defines cross-tolerance2 as: 

A condition in which tolerance to one drug results in a lessened response (i.e., increased tolerance) to a related drug. 

This happens because many substances share common pathways in your brain and body. In pharmacology, this is understood as a shared mechanism of action, meaning the substances influence the same biological targets in the body.

When you use a substance repeatedly, your brain adapts to maintain balance. It might produce fewer natural chemicals, become less sensitive to the substance’s effects, or create more enzymes to break down the substance faster. These adaptations don’t just affect the original substance—they can also impact other substances that work through the same biological systems.

Different Substances, Similar Neural Pathways

Cross-tolerance is most common between substances that affect the same brain receptors2 or neurotransmitter systems. For example, if you develop tolerance to prescription opioid painkillers, you might also have reduced sensitivity to other opioids, including illegal ones like heroin. This happens because all opioids work on the same receptor system in your brain.

The process isn’t always predictable or complete. You might have strong cross-tolerance between some substances but not others. Your degree of cross-tolerance depends on factors like how similar the substances are, how much you’ve used, how long you’ve been using, and your individual biology.

Cross-tolerance can happen between a lot of different types of substances. The APA notes that cross-tolerance is commonly seen with “amphetamines,1 benzodiazepines, hallucinogens, and opiates, among other drugs.” It can also occur between alcohol and various medications, different types of antidepressants, and even between prescriptions and street drugs.

Why This Matters to You 

Understanding cross-tolerance is important for both medical treatment and harm reduction. It affects how doctors prescribe medications, how effective treatments might be, and what risks you face when combining different substances. It’s also a major factor in addiction treatment and recovery planning.

Common Examples of Cross-Tolerance

Cross-tolerance can show up in a lot of different situations, from prescription medications to recreational substances. Here are some of the most important patterns to understand.

Cross-Tolerance Between Opioids

Because they work on the same opioid receptors, all opioids can cause cross-tolerance3 (most commonly, incomplete cross-tolerance) with each other. That means if you’ve been taking prescription painkillers like oxycodone or morphine for a while, your body might also be less sensitive to other opioids, including illegal ones like heroin or fentanyl.

This causes serious risks. Someone who has built tolerance to prescription opioids might think they need a large amount of street opioids to feel effects. But because street drugs are often much stronger and less predictable than prescription medications, this miscalculation can lead to overdose.

For people in medical treatment, opioid cross-tolerance can complicate pain management. If you’ve developed tolerance to one type of pain medication, your doctor might need to try different approaches or higher doses to help manage your pain effectively.

If you or someone you know uses opioids, see our article on How to Use Naloxone to learn about this life-saving overdose reversal medication.

Alcohol and Benzodiazepines 

Alcohol and benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Valium, or Ativan) are both agonists that work on the same brain system called GABA.4 That means people who drink regularly often need higher doses of these medications to feel the same effects.

This type of cross-tolerance is especially dangerous because both alcohol and benzos slow down your breathing and heart rate. When people have cross-tolerance, they might use more of both substances, which can lead to life-threatening overdose.

Barbiturates, an older drug class of sedatives sometimes used for seizure control or anesthesia, also act on the GABA system. People with alcohol or benzodiazepine tolerance may also be less sensitive to barbiturates, which makes dosing less predictable and increases overdose risk.

Doctors need to know about your drinking habits when they’re prescribing benzodiazepines. If you have alcohol tolerance, you might need different medications or special monitoring to stay safe.

Learn more about how to keep yourself safe in our article on the risks of mixing benzos and alcohol.

Other Important Cross-Tolerance Patterns

Prescription stimulants can cause cross-tolerance with cocaine,5 meth, and other stimulants. This includes ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin, and it can affect both the effectiveness of ADHD treatment and the risks of using other stimulants.

Cannabis can also show partial cross-tolerance with other substances6 that affect similar brain receptors, such as certain sedatives. Regular cannabis use may also influence how your body responds to medications that impact mood, sleep, or appetite.

Psychedelic drugs also show cross-tolerance patterns.7 If you use LSD, you might find that mushrooms (psilocybin) or mescaline don’t work as well for several days afterward. These substances all affect similar brain pathways.

Different types of sedatives and sleep medications often have cross-tolerance too. This includes prescription sleep aids, muscle relaxers, and some seizure medications. If you take one regularly, others in the same category might be less effective.

How Cross-Tolerance Develops in Your Body

Your brain is constantly working to keep things balanced. When you use a substance regularly, your brain notices and starts making changes to cope. You can think of it as a thermostat that’s trying to keep the temperature just right. When a substance comes in and turns up the heat, your brain responds by turning down its own systems to balance things out.

Your brain has special spots called receptors that substances attach to. When you use a substance often, your brain might make fewer of these receptors or make them less sensitive. Your brain also makes its own natural “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. But when you use substances regularly, it starts making less of these natural chemicals. 

Cross-tolerance usually develops gradually over weeks or months of regular use, but some people develop it faster than others based on their genetics, age, and overall health. The changes that cause cross-tolerance can last for weeks or even months after you stop using a substance.

Cross-Tolerance and Substance Use

If you use drugs recreationally, cross-tolerance can significantly impact both their effects and the risks involved.

Impact on Drug Effectiveness

Cross-tolerance often means you won’t get the effects you’re expecting from substances. If you’ve built tolerance to one drug, you might find it much harder to achieve the same desired effect with a different drug that has similar effects on your brain.

This can be frustrating and dangerous. You might end up using more of a substance than you planned to, thinking it’s not working. But the problem isn’t with the substance—it’s that your brain has adapted to other substances that work on the same pathways.

Overdose Risks

Cross-tolerance creates a serious risk of overdose that many people don’t realize. Just because you can handle large amounts of one substance doesn’t mean you’re safe with large amounts of another—even if they seem similar.

Here’s why this is so dangerous: tolerance affects how high you feel, but it doesn’t always protect you from overdose. Your brain might be less sensitive to the euphoric effects of heroin, for example, but your respiratory system can still shut down from too much of it.

Street drugs are especially risky because you never know exactly what you’re getting or how strong it is. Someone with opioid tolerance might take what seems like a reasonable amount of street fentanyl, not knowing it’s much more potent than their usual pills.

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that’s causing overdoses even among people who aren’t aware that it’s in their drugs. Learn more about what you can do to prevent these risks in our article on fentanyl use and addiction.

Complications With Polydrug Use 

Cross-tolerance often leads people to mix different substances to get the effects they want. This is called polydrug use, and it’s much more dangerous than using one substance at a time.

The unpredictability of polydrug use makes it especially risky. You might be fine mixing substances one day but have a dangerous reaction the next, depending on factors like how much you’ve eaten, how tired you are, or what other medications you’re taking.

Researchers warn about the dangers of this practice, even going so far as to call it “Russian roulette”. According to one study, 

Using benzos or z-drugs and opioids together was likened to playing Russian roulette due to an unregulated drug market, unpredictable potency, availability and contents of illegal drugs and a lack of information about how these drugs work together.

When you combine substances, they can interact in unpredictable ways. Even if you have tolerance to each substance individually, combining them can overwhelm your body’s ability to cope. 

For more insight into the risks and treatment options for using multiple substances, see our article on polydrug addiction.

Cross-Tolerance and Medical Treatment

Cross-tolerance can significantly impact your medical care, making treatment more complex and sometimes less effective.

Challenges in Pain Management 

The development of tolerance to opioid analgesics like oxycodone or morphine can make managing pain much more difficult. Your doctor might need to prescribe higher doses, try different types of pain medications, or use a completely different approach.

This puts both you and your doctor in a tough spot. Higher doses increase the risk of side effects and addiction. But undertreated pain can seriously impact your quality of life and ability to heal.

Some doctors might be hesitant to prescribe adequate pain medication if they know you have tolerance. It’s important to be honest with your healthcare team about your substance use history so they can find safe, effective ways to manage your pain.

Effects of Psychiatric Medication 

Cross-tolerance can affect medications for depression,8 anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. If you have tolerance to substances that affect the same brain systems as your psychiatric medications, those medications might not work as well.

For example, if you take medication for anxiety and drink heavily, Your provider may adjust your treatment plan to ensure it works effectively and safely. If you use stimulants, your ADHD medication might be less effective. This can make treating mental health conditions much more challenging.

Your psychiatrist needs to know about any substance use to prescribe medications safely and effectively. They might need to adjust doses, try different medications, or monitor you more closely.

Learn more about the importance of regularly reviewing and updating your medication plan in our article on medication management.

Managing Chronic Diseases 

Cross-tolerance can impact medications used for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. When the medication doesn’t work as expected, it can be harder to control these serious health conditions.

This is especially concerning because a lot of chronic diseases require precise medication management. If your medications aren’t working properly due to cross-tolerance, your health condition could get worse.

Surgery and Emergency Care 

Cross-tolerance significantly affects surgical procedures and emergency medical care. If you have tolerance to opioids or other substances, anesthesia might not work as expected during surgery.9 You might wake up during procedures or experience inadequate pain control afterward.

Emergency situations become more complicated when cross-tolerance is involved. Emergency room doctors might struggle to provide effective pain relief or sedation if they don’t know about your tolerance. This can make traumatic situations even harder to manage.

It’s important to make sure everyone on your medical care team knows about your substance use history, even in emergencies. This information helps them provide safer, more effective care and can prevent dangerous complications during treatment.

Cancer Treatment and Chemotherapy 

Cancer patients often face unique challenges with cross-tolerance. Chemo and other cancer treatments affect how your body processes medications. If you also have substance tolerance, managing pain and other symptoms becomes much more complex.

Cancer pain is often severe and requires strong medications. If you have cross-tolerance to opioids, your oncology team might need to use higher doses, different medications, or alternative pain management approaches. This requires careful coordination between all your healthcare providers.

Addressing Cross-Tolerance in Addiction Recovery

Cross-tolerance creates unique challenges during treatment for substance use disorders.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs use medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to help people recover from opioid addiction. If you have cross-tolerance, these medications might not work as expected, and your treatment team might need to adjust the approach.

Detox and Withdrawals

Cross-tolerance makes managing withdrawals more complicated. You might experience withdrawal symptoms from multiple substances, even if you were only actively using one. This can make detox longer and more uncomfortable.

Risk of Relapse

Cross-tolerance also affects relapse risk. If you’re in recovery and your usual substances don’t give you the effects you remember, you might be tempted to try stronger substances or use multiple substances together. Both of these approaches are highly dangerous.

Recovery programs need to address cross-tolerance specifically. Good-quality treatment programs will assess your complete substance use history and create a personalized plan that takes any possible effects of cross-tolerance into account.

Cross-Tolerance in Specific Patient Groups

Different groups of people face unique challenges with cross-tolerance that require special consideration and care.

People Who Are Pregnant and Breastfeeding 

Cross-tolerance during pregnancy can create complex medical situations. Pregnant people might need different pain medications during labor and delivery if they have tolerance to opioids. Healthcare needs to balance effective pain relief with safety for both the birthing parent and the baby.10

Substance use during pregnancy affects babies’ developing brains, potentially making them more likely to develop tolerance issues later in life. If you’re pregnant and have substance tolerance, specialized maternal care programs11 can help manage both your health and your baby’s safety.

Those who are breastfeeding while managing cross-tolerance need to choose medication carefully. Because so many substances can pass through breast milk, healthcare providers need to select treatments that are safe for nursing babies while still effective for their caregiver.

Medication Interactions for Older Adults

Older adults often take multiple medications for different health conditions, making cross-tolerance more dangerous and more likely. Their bodies also process medications differently than younger people, which also makes the effects of tolerance less predictable.

Falls and confusion are serious risks for elderly people with cross-tolerance.12 If their medications aren’t working properly, they might be more likely to have accidents or experience dangerous side effects from taking higher doses.

Family members and caregivers should be aware of cross-tolerance risks in elderly loved ones. Regular medication reviews and honest communication with healthcare providers are especially important for this population.

Teenagers and Young Adults

Young people’s brains are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to developing cross-tolerance quickly. What might take months to develop in adults can happen in weeks for teenagers who use substances regularly.13

ADHD medications are a common concern for this age group. Many teens and young adults take stimulant medications for ADHD, and cross-tolerance with other stimulants can affect both their treatment effectiveness and their risk if they use other substances.

College environments often involve alcohol and substance use, which can interact dangerously with prescription medications. Young adults need education about these risks to make informed decisions about their health and safety.

For more information about the risks and treatment options for stimulant medications, see our article on Adderall addiction.

Risk Factors for Developing Cross-Tolerance

Several factors make some people more likely to develop cross-tolerance14 than others:

  • Individual sensitivity: Some people’s brains are naturally more or less sensitive to substances, which affects how quickly tolerance develops.
  • Frequency and duration of use: Regular, long-term use increases your chances of developing cross-tolerance compared to occasional use.
  • Age and developmental factors: Teenagers and young adults develop tolerance faster because their brains are still developing and more adaptable to change.
  • Environmental influences: High stress, trauma, and chaotic environments can speed up tolerance development and make cross-tolerance more likely.
  • Underlying health conditions: Mental health conditions, chronic pain, and some genetic factors can increase your risk of developing cross-tolerance.
  • Genetic predisposition: Your family history and genetics affect how your body processes substances and how quickly you develop tolerance.
  • Polydrug use patterns: Using multiple substances regularly increases your risk of developing cross-tolerance between them.
  • Metabolism differences: How fast or slow your body breaks down substances affects how quickly tolerance develops.

Managing and Preventing Cross-Tolerance

Professional Treatment Approaches

Healthcare providers use several strategies to manage cross-tolerance effectively. The first step is always a thorough assessment of your substance use history that includes prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, and any illegal substances.

Regular medication reviews are essential. Your doctor should check how well your medications are working and watch for signs of tolerance or cross-tolerance. They may need to adjust doses, switch medications, or try a combined approach.

What works for one person might not work for another, especially when cross-tolerance is involved. That’s why it’s so important for your care to take place according to a personalized treatment plan that takes your specific tolerance patterns into account. 

Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare Settings

Being honest with your healthcare providers is important for safe, effective treatment. This includes telling them about all substance use, even if you’re worried about judgment. Healthcare providers need this information to keep you safe.

If you’re using multiple substances and not ready to quit, harm reduction strategies can help keep you safer. This includes using one substance at a time when possible, having someone with you who can get help if needed, and knowing the signs of overdose.

If your doctor isn’t already doing them, ask for regular medication reviews. If your medications don’t seem to be working as well as they used to, cross-tolerance might be the reason.

Keep a record of all medications and substances you use, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and any recreational substances. This information can be vital in emergency situations and helps your healthcare team make better treatment decisions.

Consider working with specialists who understand cross-tolerance, such as addiction medicine doctors or pain management specialists. These providers have extra training in managing complex tolerance situations and can often offer more effective treatment options.

Common Misconceptions About Drug Tolerance

A lot of dangerous myths surround cross-tolerance that can put people at serious risk. Understanding the truth can help you make safer decisions.

“If I have tolerance to one drug, I’m safe taking larger amounts of similar drugs.” 

This is extremely dangerous thinking. Tolerance affects how high you feel, but it doesn’t protect you from overdose. Your brain might be less sensitive to euphoric effects, but your body can still shut down from too much of a substance. Many overdoses happen to people who midjudge their tolerance.15

“Cross-tolerance means all similar drugs affect me the same way.” 

Cross-tolerance isn’t complete or predictable. You might have strong tolerance to one opioid but much less tolerance to another. Street drugs especially vary in strength and purity, making this assumption potentially fatal.

“If my medication isn’t working, I just need a higher dose.” 

While dose adjustment might be necessary, jumping to higher doses without medical supervision is dangerous.16 Your reduced response might be due to cross-tolerance, but it could also be due to other factors that require different solutions.

“Cross-tolerance goes away quickly when I stop using substances.” 

Brain changes from cross-tolerance can last weeks or months after stopping substance use. Don’t assume your medication sensitivity has returned to normal right away. This is why medical supervision is important during recovery.

“Prescription drugs don’t cause cross-tolerance with illegal drugs.” 

Many prescription medications can cause cross-tolerance with illegal substances. Prescription opioids and street opioids, for example, affect the same brain systems. Benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety can cause cross-tolerance with alcohol. Just because a drug is legal doesn’t mean it can’t have dangerous effects.

“I can prevent cross-tolerance by switching between different drugs.” 

Rotating between substances that affect the same brain systems won’t prevent cross-tolerance. In fact, it might make it worse by exposing your brain to multiple substances17 that cause similar adaptations.

Current Research and Future Directions

Research on cross-tolerance continues to reveal important findings that could improve treatment approaches.

Recent studies on heroin addiction recovery show that cross-tolerance to buprenorphine18 (a medication used in addiction treatment) is linked to faster relapse rates. This research is helping doctors understand how to adjust treatment plans for better success.

Emerging research on anesthesia shows that people with substance tolerance often need different approaches during surgery.19 Anesthesiologists are developing better ways to provide safe, effective anesthesia for people with cross-tolerance.

Studies on ADHD medications reveal that using multiple stimulant medications can lead to cross-tolerance20 and reduced effectiveness over time. This research is helping doctors find better ways to manage ADHD treatment long-term.

Future neuroscience research directions include mapping exactly how different substances affect brain pathways, identifying genetic markers that predict cross-tolerance risk, and developing new medications that are less likely to cause cross-tolerance.

Understanding Cross-Tolerance Is the First Step Toward Safer, More Effective Care

Cross-tolerance is a complex but important concept that affects millions of people taking medications or using substances. Understanding how it works can help you make safer decisions and get better medical care.

The key takeaway is that substances often affect each other in ways you might not expect. Being honest with healthcare providers about all substance use—prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational—is essential for your safety and effective treatment.

If you’re struggling with substance use and cross-tolerance is complicating your situation, professional help is available. Find a treatment center near you that understands these complex issues and can provide the specialized care you need.

FAQs

Q: How long does cross-tolerance last after stopping substance use? 

A: Cross-tolerance can persist for weeks to months after stopping substance use, depending on how long you used substances, what types you used, and your individual biology. Some people notice their medication sensitivity returning to normal within a few weeks, while others may take several months.

Q: Can cross-tolerance be reversed? 

A: Yes, cross-tolerance often decreases over time when you stop using the substances that caused it. However, the process is gradual and varies a lot from person to person. Working with healthcare providers during this time is important for safe medication management.

Q: How do doctors calculate medication doses when cross-tolerance is present? 

A: Doctors consider your substance use history, current tolerance levels, and individual response to medications. They often start with standard doses and adjust based on your response, monitoring you closely for both effectiveness and side effects.

Q: Does cross-tolerance affect all medications the same way? 

A: No, cross-tolerance only affects medications that work on similar brain pathways as the substances you’ve used. For example, opioid tolerance won’t affect your blood pressure medication, but it might affect other pain medications.

Q: Can you prevent cross-tolerance from developing? 

A: The most reliable way to prevent cross-tolerance is to avoid using substances that affect the same brain systems. If you need to take medications long-term, work closely with your doctor to monitor for tolerance and adjust treatment as needed.

Q: Is cross-tolerance the same as drug interactions? 

A: No, these are different concepts. Drug interactions happen when substances affect each other directly in your body. Cross-tolerance is when your brain’s adaptation to one substance affects your response to another.

Q: How quickly does cross-tolerance develop? 

A: Cross-tolerance can develop anywhere from days to months, depending on the substances involved, how often you use them, and individual factors like genetics and age. Some people notice changes within just a few weeks of regular use.

Q: Can cross-tolerance affect emergency medical treatment? 

A: Yes, cross-tolerance can affect emergency treatments, especially pain medications and anesthesia. This is why it’s important to be honest with emergency medical staff about your substance abuse history, even in crisis situations.

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How Zac Clark Found Addiction Recovery: 7 Lessons from a Journey of Hope

In the landscape of addiction and recovery, few stories resonate with as much raw honesty and hope as that of Zac Clark. Known as a mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and the founder of Release Recovery, Clark’s journey from struggling with substance use to becoming a beacon of purpose-driven leadership is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible.

His story, shared on the Recoverycast podcast with host Brittani Baynard, delves into the complexities of childhood, the insidious nature of addiction, and the resilience required to build a new life. As Clark himself states, “I think when I tell my story, what I want to give people is permission to ask for help and permission to be curious about the way they’re living and if there’s an easier, softer way to live.” This permission, he believes, is where “miracles start to happen.”

At its core, Clark’s narrative is a testament to the idea that recovery isn’t just about sobriety; it’s about rebuilding a life from the ground up, one day at a time. It’s a message that extends beyond the confines of substance use, reaching anyone grappling with a struggle and searching for a way forward.

1. A Childhood of Unnoticed Traumas

Growing up, Clark’s childhood appeared idyllic—the classic “white picket fence” scenario. He describes a loving family and a supportive environment, yet as he reflects on his past, he uncovers a more nuanced reality. His perspective is shaped by a deeper understanding of trauma, which he defines as “something that happened to you that shouldn’t have, or something that hasn’t happened to you that should have.” While he didn’t experience overt abuse or neglect, he began to recognize the subtle patterns that shaped his adult behaviors.

Specifically, he noticed how his parents’ dedication—his father working tirelessly and his mother always putting herself last—influenced him. He adopted his mother’s self-sacrificing nature, often running around “trying to help everyone in the room and forget[ting] about myself,” a behavior that eventually led to his own exhaustion and burnout. These early experiences, though seemingly benign at the time, laid the groundwork for a pattern of seeking external validation and neglecting his own needs, a common thread in many addiction stories.

Explore trauma treatment centers.

2. The Unseen Seeds of Addiction

Clark’s journey with substances didn’t begin with a dramatic rock-bottom moment. Instead, it started subtly, with behaviors that provided a small hit of dopamine. He recalls playing video games for hours or practicing basketball until he made a certain number of shots, chasing that feel-good sensation. These were not considered dangerous behaviors, but they were early signs of a brain wired to seek external rewards.

His first experience with alcohol in seventh or eighth grade wasn’t a wild, blackout moment. It was much more insidious. He had a few drinks, went home, and lied to his parents about what he was doing. The lie, and getting away with it, gave him a sense of control and a blueprint for future behavior. “For the next 15 years,” he explains, “I knew that I could manipulate and lie [about] certain situations [to] the people closest to me.” This pattern of deception became as central to his addiction as the substances themselves, highlighting a key aspect of addiction that often goes unaddressed: the manipulation and secrecy that isolate the individual from their support system.

3. A Life-Altering Diagnosis: The Brain Tumor

A pivotal moment in Clark’s story occurred in 2007 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite his family’s concerns that his symptoms were a result of his drinking, he had an intuition that something more was wrong. The diagnosis and subsequent emergency surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital were sudden and traumatic. However, instead of serving as a wake-up call, the experience became a new gateway for addiction.

Following the surgery, he was prescribed Dilaudid and morphine to manage the intense pain. As he recovered, he realized with chilling clarity that his first thought was not about his health or the new lease on life he had been given, but about getting out of the hospital so he could drink again. This moment was his first realization that he had a substance use issue, as he was physically separated from alcohol for the first time.

The pain medication, combined with his existing predisposition, cemented a new path for his addiction. He found himself telling himself, as many people do, that he needed the pills to function, even after the initial physical pain had subsided, a sentiment echoed in many stories of the opioid crisis.

Explore prescription pill addiction treatment options.

4. From Prescription Pills to Heroin: The Progression of Addiction

After his prescribed painkillers ran out, Clark’s self-deception continued. He began buying pills illegally, a sign that the addiction had taken hold. He was a “walking science project,” a mix of uppers and downers that allowed him to get through the day while maintaining the facade of a successful young man. He was still showing up to work and getting things done, but the cost was astronomical.

“I was a freight train,” he said, “I was able to show up. I was able to get things done. But, but at the end of the day, if I didn’t have my thing, I, if I didn’t have my fix, it’s not gonna come crumbling down. I’m just gonna, you know, I’m gonna feel like garbage and then I’m gonna have to work even harder the next day to try and figure it out.” The tolerance he built eventually made prescription pills less effective, leading him to a desperate and devastating choice: heroin. He explains that for many, heroin becomes the logical next step because it is “cheaper and it’s just as effective.” His descent was rapid and total, a powerful example of how the disease of addiction progresses from one substance to the next, with increasing intensity.

Explore heroin addiction treatment centers.

5. The Family’s Struggle: An Invisible Battle

Throughout his active addiction, Clark’s family was left in a state of confusion and worry. He explains that his parents, like most, simply didn’t have a playbook for this situation. They knew something was wrong, but they couldn’t pinpoint that it was a substance use disorder. A parent’s first instinct, he notes, is not to suspect addiction, but to worry about other issues like mental health, physical ailments, or relationship problems. This is a common struggle for families. They want to believe their loved ones and they struggle with the guilt and shame that come with realizing they missed the signs.

Clark, now an advocate who works with families through his organization, Release Recovery, understands this deeply. He says it’s important to remember that families are not to blame. “That’s putting way too much pressure” on them. This is a topic explored by many organizations that offer family support in addiction recovery, such as Al-Anon, which provides resources and meetings for the friends and family members of alcoholics.

6. The First Attempt at Treatment and the Relapse

Clark’s first foray into recovery was an unplanned, desperate walk-in to a treatment center in South Jersey. He had been outed by a friend, and a confrontation with his mother led him to admit he needed help. His 28-day stay was a mixed bag. While the experience planted the seeds of recovery by exposing him to therapy and 12-step programs, it also exposed him to new dangers. “I went to treatment the first time and learned about heroin,” he reveals, underscoring the reality that treatment can sometimes be a place where individuals are exposed to more severe substance use.

After leaving treatment, he was given an aftercare plan, but he wasn’t ready to fully commit. He tried to moderate, believing he could just drink and not use drugs. It was a common and dangerous experiment for many in early recovery. The relapse was swift and brutal. Within a short time, a single pint of vodka led him back to the streets of Camden, New Jersey, to buy heroin. The speed of his return to active addiction illustrates the powerful nature of the disease and the critical importance of a committed recovery plan.

7. A New Beginning: The Journey to True Recovery

This second relapse was the beginning of Clark’s lowest point. His life became a blur of substance use, deceit, and desperation. He was no longer living; he was “just waiting to die.” He finally reached a point where he stole one of his father’s checks, and as he tried to cash it, a bank teller intervened, calling his father and holding him there until he arrived. This moment, which he recounts at the start of the podcast, was his final wake-up call. “My dad walked in and I saw him…He got to me and he’s just like, he put his arm, my arm, and he’s like, son, we’re going home.”

This moment of grace and intervention marked the start of his true recovery journey. Clark’s story reminds us that recovery is not a linear process. It is often filled with relapses, mistakes, and painful lessons. His journey highlights the importance of asking for help, recognizing the subtle traumas of our past, and understanding that addiction affects not just the individual, but everyone around them. Today, through his work at Release Recovery, he helps others find their own path to an “easier, softer way to live,” offering hope and a powerful example of what is possible on the other side of addiction.

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Ben Fisher’s Recovery and Redemption: 11 Ways to Find Your Purpose After Addiction

“You know, but some of us need to speak out because too many people are dying. And there’s these, you know, back in the day when AA started, there weren’t these drugs that were killing people first time. Yes. And it’s a scary place. So we need a few soldiers out there that are willing to do this.” – Ben Fisher

The journey of addiction and recovery is deeply personal, often marked by profound challenges and ultimately, immense triumph. For many, the path to sobriety is not just about abstaining from substances, but about rediscovering purpose, rebuilding connections, and transforming past experiences into powerful tools for change. Ben Fisher, the creative force behind “A String of Hope,” embodies this transformation, channeling his own battles with addiction into a platform that resonates with millions seeking mental health and addiction recovery.

1. The Genesis of a Troubled Connection: Music, Identity, and Early Exposure

Ben Fisher’s journey with addiction began at a surprisingly young age, interwoven with his passion for music and the perceived glamour of the rock and roll lifestyle. At just 12 years old, while playing guitar at a family gathering, he was handed a Budweiser by a “drunk uncle.” The experience was immediate and profound. “That wave hit me of, you know, feeling that for the first time at 12. And my 12-year-old brain was like, this is it. This is what I need to feel normal. It was like a switch flipped in me.”

This pivotal moment, however, wasn’t an isolated incident but rather a culmination of earlier influences. At seven, watching Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock, Ben was captivated, feeling a deep connection to the artist’s ability to move people through music. He began to idolize musicians who, despite their artistic brilliance, were also known for their struggles with addiction and alcoholism. This early association between rock stardom and substance abuse became a dangerous blueprint in his young mind. “I idolized them and I’m like, okay. So I have to live that lifestyle if I want to be that person. So I leaned into that at an early age.” This narrative highlights how formative experiences and environmental factors can inadvertently lay the groundwork for future struggles.

2. The Illusion of Control: Balancing Dual Lives

As Ben grew older, his addiction progressed, but so did his ability to compartmentalize. He maintained a starkly contrasting dual life: the party-hardy musician embracing the “rockstar lifestyle” and the dedicated worship leader at his church. “My entire drinking career and drinking and drug career, I was living two different people,” he recounts. “One was the party rockstar lifestyle and the other was the guy playing music at church.”

This ability to hide his struggles, particularly his burgeoning addiction to opiate pain medication, became a defining characteristic of his early adult life. He meticulously concealed his substance use from his girlfriend, who would later become his wife. “She knows nothing about it,” he said of his wife’s unawareness of his opiate addiction. “I was really good at hiding it and I hid it all, all through my life.” This functional addiction, where individuals maintain a semblance of normalcy despite severe substance use, can prolong the denial phase and delay seeking help. The façade of functionality can be incredibly isolating, as the individual carries the immense burden of their secret.

3. The Progressive Nature of Addiction: From Beer to Opiates

Ben’s story serves as a stark reminder of addiction’s progressive nature. What began with underage drinking escalated significantly in college, where he engaged in heavy pot use and occasional cocaine use. The turning point, however, came after a painful breakup when a coworker introduced him to opiate pain medication. “I tried them and they made me feel better. They made me feel way better.” This moment marked a new and more insidious phase of his addiction, as opiates offered an even more potent escape from emotional discomfort.

His reliance on opiates became so entrenched that he eventually sought Suboxone, initially buying it on the street before obtaining a legitimate prescription. The fear of his then-fiancée discovering his secret prompted a dangerous decision: cold-turkey withdrawal from Suboxone. This decision, made without medical supervision, led to a grueling, month-long withdrawal period that he endured alone, further illustrating the desperate lengths individuals will go to hide their addiction. “If you know anything about that, I know it’s a medication that’s great for helping people get off, but you have to taper down, step down very slowly. I went cold Turkey. It was the worst experience I’ve ever gone through. And nobody knew I was going through it. I went through it alone.” This dangerous self-detoxification further entrenched his alcohol use as a coping mechanism.

4. The Crushing Weight of Secrecy: Hiding in Plain Sight

The emotional toll of leading a double life, particularly from the person he loved most, was immense. Ben’s wife was unaware of his opiate addiction for seven years, even as they fell in love, got engaged, and bought a house. “That’s gotta be heavy on you,” the podcast host observes. “To not only just going through that addiction, but to hide such a huge part of you and what you’re going through from the person that you care so much about.”

The constant vigilance required to maintain this deception, coupled with the escalating demands of his addiction, undoubtedly contributed to his internal suffering. The pressure to maintain a “functional” exterior, even as his internal world crumbled, is a common theme in addiction. This sustained psychological burden can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and a deeper sense of shame.

5. The Fall from Grace: Losing Purpose and Community

A crucial turning point in Ben’s descent was the exposure of his addiction to his church community. His daily ritual of buying and consuming cheap vodka, even while driving, highlights the pervasive nature of his alcohol dependence. The moment of reckoning came when his eight-month pregnant wife found him passed out in his car, a bottle of vodka beside him. Her call to a friend at the church, whose husband was in recovery, ultimately led to Ben being pushed out of his role as worship leader.

“I ended up later in life becoming a worship leader, music director at a church… That broke me in my drinking. Then I was already at blackout stage. So then we were at the point where it’s like treatment, like what are we gonna do here?” This loss of his perceived identity and community, a place where he had found a sense of purpose through music, was devastating. While initially harboring resentment, Ben later recognized the complex dynamics at play, acknowledging that the church, in its vulnerable state, was also trying to protect itself. This incident underscores the profound impact addiction can have on relationships and one’s sense of self-worth.

6. The “Rock Bottom” That Changed Everything: His Daughter’s Safety

Ben’s true rock bottom arrived on Easter Sunday, 2016. After blacking out while caring for his infant daughter the day before, he woke up on his parents’ couch with no recollection of the events. The realization that his addiction had jeopardized his daughter’s safety was the jolt he needed.

“What she told me, just, it absolutely scared the life outta me because again, my daughter is everything to me. I, I love her more than the world. And, um, like I, I get emotional just thinking about it because, you know, something bad could have happened and, and I, if I didn’t go to jail, if something bad happened, I, I can tell you I probably wouldn’t be here ’cause I wouldn’t wanna live after that.” This moment, devoid of grand dramatic consequences like incarceration or near-death experiences, was nonetheless profoundly impactful. It demonstrates that “rock bottom” is subjective and deeply personal; for Ben, the threat to his child’s well-being was enough to trigger a fundamental shift. The immediate consequence of being asked to leave his home until he sought help further solidified his resolve.

7. The First Steps of Recovery: 90 Meetings in 90 Days

With his marriage on the line and the terrifying realization of his actions, Ben committed to recovery. His first concrete step was embracing the “90 meetings in 90 days” approach, a common recommendation in 12-Step programs. Despite his introverted nature, he dedicated himself to attending meetings daily. “I was going to meetings every day. I was sitting there and I never talked at any meetings. Like, you would’ve never seen me doing anything like this.”

This initial immersion in the recovery community, even without active participation in sharing, provided a crucial foundation of support and exposure to the principles of sobriety. It allowed him to absorb the experiences of others, gradually eroding the isolation that had characterized his addiction. This structured approach to early recovery provides consistency and a sense of routine, which can be invaluable in navigating the initial turbulent stages of sobriety.

8. Redefining Higher Power: A Personal Journey of Spirituality

Ben’s past role as a worship leader presented a unique challenge in his recovery journey, particularly concerning the concept of a “higher power” in 12-Step programs. He admitted to holding resentment towards organized religion. However, the flexibility of “God of your understanding” resonated deeply. “I loved how they said God of your understanding. And I latched onto that ’cause I’m like, I don’t understand the God that I have been leading worship too for other people. I don’t understand him right now.”

This willingness to redefine his spiritual beliefs on his own terms allowed him to engage with the spiritual aspect of recovery without feeling constrained by traditional religious dogma. This personal interpretation of a higher power is a cornerstone of many recovery programs, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to find a spiritual path that supports their sobriety.

9. Finding New Obsessions: The Power of Purposeful Action

Beyond attending meetings, Ben recognized the vital need to actively engage in something meaningful. He embraced the idea of finding “new addictions” or, more accurately, healthy obsessions. “I gotta, I gotta do something with myself. Yeah. You have to find something to kind of like dive into. That’s a huge part of my recovery story and what I..tell people is like, get busy doing something. Find something you love and do it. Find a new addiction, really obsession.”

This proactive approach to filling the void left by substance use is crucial for sustained recovery. For Ben, this translated into tangible projects, like building a playhouse, which provided a sense of accomplishment and a healthy outlet for his energy.

10. A String of Hope: Connecting Through Vulnerability

Ben’s journey eventually led him to create “A String of Hope,” a platform dedicated to mental health, addiction recovery, and personal growth. This endeavor is a powerful manifestation of his core desire, recognized only in recovery, to connect deeply with others. “I thought when I saw Jimi Hendrix that day, I thought what I wanted to be was a rockstar. And what I really wanted to do is harness what he had to connect to people.”

Through candid storytelling and motivational insights, Ben fosters a community of support and resilience, turning his past struggles into a beacon of hope for others. This act of service, of sharing his vulnerability and insights, has become his ultimate purpose, allowing him to impact millions. “I know now, today with the cute little videos that I do, I’m able to do that… Now I’m realizing like it was never about being a rock star and like performance, it was about connecting to people.” This demonstrates the profound healing that can occur when individuals transform their personal pain into a source of inspiration for others.

11. The Ongoing Journey: Life Beyond Addiction

Ben Fisher’s story is a testament to the transformative power of recovery. His life, now marked by sobriety and purpose, is rich with opportunities to connect and inspire. From a young boy captivated by a rockstar’s image to a man who understands the true meaning of connection, Ben’s journey highlights the continuous process of growth and self-discovery in sobriety. His story underscores the importance of seeking help, even when the path is difficult, and the profound impact that finding a new purpose can have on long-term recovery.

“Here I am today and life is so much better. And I’ve had so many opportunities like this to do.” His ongoing commitment to sharing his story, even as an introverted individual, showcases the strength and conviction that can emerge from overcoming adversity. Recovery is not a destination but a continuous process of self-improvement, resilience, and a commitment to a life lived fully and authentically.

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Honesty’s 8 Lessons to Thrive in Opioid Addiction Recovery

Honesty’s life before finding recovery from a debilitating opioid use disorder, specifically heroin, was a relentless cycle of physical agony from daily withdrawal, deeply fractured bonds with loved ones, and a desperate descent into criminal activity driven by the insatiable need for drugs. The weight of self-hatred was crushing, and the world around her felt hostile. In those dark days, the desire for oblivion was a constant companion. This is the story of Honesty’s journey and the profound lessons that illuminated her path to recovery.

1. A Glimmer of Hope and the Unexpected Lifeline

Honesty’s final attempt at seeking help felt like precisely that – her last chance. Entering the doors of the Chen Foundation, her initial intention was solely to endure the acute discomfort of detoxification and then leave. However, fate intervened, or perhaps it was an unconscious recognition of a deeper need, leading her to stay in their female recovery house for five transformative months.

Within those walls, she encountered an unexpected source of strength: the profound “peer-to-peer connection” forged with other women who intimately understood the torment of addiction. Sharing their experiences created a bond that became an essential lifeline.

Explore treatment options for heroin and opioid use disorder.

2. Finding Her Footing and the Enduring Power of Connection

In the initial, fragile days of recovery, Honesty’s primary focus was a primal one: navigating each day without succumbing to the debilitating grip of withdrawal. This immediate need for physical relief was what initially tethered her to the recovery process.

However, it was the burgeoning relationships with fellow travelers on this path – both women and men who carried the weight of shared lived experiences with addiction – that truly solidified her commitment. These connections offered understanding, validation, and a sense of not being alone in a seemingly insurmountable struggle.

3. The Gift of Giving Back and Discovering Purpose

As Honesty progressed in her recovery, a compelling inner prompting arose – the desire to extend the support she had received to others still navigating the challenging early stages. This innate drive to help led her to work for the very Recovery Community Organization (RCO) that had played such a pivotal role in her own healing. Through the act of service, by offering a hand to those still reaching, she began to uncover a deeper sense of purpose and the “pretty awesome” person she was capable of becoming.

4. The Profound Inner Journey: Cultivating Self-Love and Embracing Healing

Sustaining recovery has been an intricate process for Honesty, with the cornerstone being the cultivation of self-love. This journey inward has demanded that she learn to extend compassion and forgiveness towards herself, to confront and heal the deep-seated wounds of past traumas, and to acknowledge the profound pain she inflicted on her daughter, her family, and the broader community. It has been about a fundamental rediscovery, about “really digging into the inner core of the human being that [she] was meant to be on this planet,” stripping away the layers of addiction to reveal her authentic self.

5. Creating a Supportive Environment and Nurturing the Soul Through Daily Rituals

Maintaining her recovery necessitates a conscious effort for Honesty to cultivate a supportive and nurturing environment. This includes actively surrounding herself with “amazing women in recovery” who offer understanding and encouragement, immersing herself in the wisdom found in “lots of books, lots of podcasts, lots of step work,” and intentionally incorporating daily rituals that nourish her soul.

Practices such as meditation, the reflective act of journaling, and consistent engagement in self-care activities are not mere habits; they are vital threads in the tapestry of her ongoing commitment to “continually working on her soul.”

6. A Life Transformed and the Immeasurable Value of Her Present

Looking back nearly 18 years, the life Honesty now inhabits as a mother, a wife, the CEO of a nonprofit organization, and an author is almost beyond the realm of what her addicted self could have conceived. The crushing weight of self-loathing has been replaced by a genuine and growing sense of self-acceptance and love. The life she has painstakingly built, interwoven with the love of her husband, the support of her family, and the camaraderie of incredible individuals, is now immeasurably precious.

The insidious pull of drug use has faded, not merely as a conscious choice, but because the vibrant and fulfilling life she now lives far outweighs any fleeting illusion it once offered. “I value this one life that I have and it rocks. It completely rocks.”

7. The Imperative of Perseverance: Holding Onto Hope and Taking Action

For anyone currently grappling with the agonizing realities of active addiction or navigating the often-turbulent waters of early recovery, Honesty’s most fundamental piece of advice is this: “just hold on, never give up on yourself.” Even in the darkest moments when self-loathing feels all-consuming, it is absolutely crucial to cling to the inherent worth that resides within you and to persistently explore different pathways to recovery. “For sure don’t give up on yourself. Just keep trying, you know, and you are loved no matter what.”

8. Embracing the Fear of the Unknown and Exploring Diverse Paths to Healing

The apprehension and fear associated with embarking on the journey of recovery are entirely understandable. Honesty’s own path was marked by numerous attempts, including multiple detoxifications, trials with various medications, explorations of faith-based approaches, and engagement with 12-Step programs and traditional therapy, before she discovered the specific combination that resonated with her: the structure of a 12-step program coupled with the unwavering support of the recovery community, particularly within a peer-run RCO.

However, it is vital to remember that “that doesn’t have to be your story.” The key is to take that initial step, to “just try something…on a day-to-day basis.” Explore the diverse landscape of recovery options, whether it be 12-Step fellowships, SMART Recovery, harm reduction strategies, or other modalities, until you find the path that aligns with your individual needs and resonates with your inner self.

Honesty’s journey from the abyss of opioid addiction to a life brimming with purpose, profound love, and genuine self-acceptance has been a challenging yet ultimately transformative odyssey. It stands as a testament to the indomitable power of human perseverance, the vital importance of community and peer support, and the unwavering belief in one’s own inherent potential for profound healing and lasting recovery. Recovery is not a distant dream; it is an attainable reality, and you are never truly alone on this path.

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Opioid Misuse and Addiction

Opioids have many forms and uses, from essential painkillers to illicit pseudo-prescriptions with hidden risks and dangers. In any form, prescribed or illicit, they’re highly addictive.

In this article, opioid “misuse” will describe the act of taking opioids, prescribed or not, for purposes beyond their intent. This type of use can quickly spiral into addiction, but many treatment programs offer pathways to recovery.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a type of drug derived from the opium poppy plant1, but can also be lab-created without the opium base. When opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain, they block pain signals1 and produce a sense of euphoria. This aspect in particular can spur misuse and, eventually, addiction.

Opioid Types and Their Uses

Opioids come in many forms, carefully modified for medicinal uses or haphazardly assembled in clandestine labs for illicit purposes. Here are some of the most common types and their uses.

Pain Relievers

Pain-relieving opioids have been developed specifically for intense pain. Doctors often prescribe them after surgeries or for painful, chronic conditions like cancer. When used as prescribed (usually a small amount over a specific time frame), prescription opioids are less likely to lead to addiction. 

Prescription opioids2 include:

  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Morphine
  • Oxymorphone
  • Fentanyl
  • Codeine

Illegal Types

Some opioids are never prescribed due to their potency and potential for addiction. These opioids might be naturally derived or synthetic (man-made). They’re classified as illegal, and having them can result in jail time. Examples include

  • Heroin, which comes directly from the opium poppy
  • Fentanyl and carfentanil (when procured and taken without a prescription)

Risk Factors for Opioid Misuse

Although opioids can be highly addictive, not everyone who takes an opioid, prescribed or otherwise, will develop an addiction. Certain risk factors can make addiction more likely, like your genetics, environmental influences, and mental health conditions.

Genetics

Your genes can increase the chance of opioid addiction3. They don’t cause addiction, but slight variations and epigenetics (changes in how your body reads gene sequences) can make you more prone to opioid addiction. For example, variations in your mu-opioid receptors can alter how your reward system works—an integral part of developing an addiction.

Environmental Influences

Growing up in an environment that normalizes substance use can make addiction more likely. Stressful environments can, too, as substances can serve as a coping mechanism. People may also use substances to connect and fit in with peers4.

For example, a child who grows up with family members who drink heavily may get introduced to alcohol early on and view drinking as a way to connect with their loved ones. Someone who grows up in high-stress environments, like poverty or often witnessing domestic violence, may also turn to substance use as a way to cope with the ongoing strain. These types of environments can lead to the initiation of use, which can snowball into addiction.

Mental Health Conditions

Having a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can make you more susceptible to addiction5. Someone may use substances to self-medicate6 the symptoms of their condition. For example, someone with anxiety may notice their prescription opioids gave them a sense of calm and well-being that made social interactions easier. Or, a stressed executive may find they can get through the day easier if they take heroin before work. 

Regular use for these reasons can bloom into an addiction. 

Signs of Opioid Use

If you suspect a friend or a loved one has started using opioids not as prescribed or procuring illicit opioids, you can look for key signs of opioid use7 and voice your concerns to them. This can start the process of getting treatment if and when they’re willing.

Physical Signs

  • Seeming tired often, “out of it”
  • Small pupils
  • Disheveled appearance
  • Track marks on their arms or legs and/or unseasonal clothes to hide them
  • Sudden, unexplained loss of pain that previously impaired their functioning

Behavioral Signs

  • Avoiding family and friends without adequate explanation
  • Acting secretive about their belongings and activities
  • A marked change in their attitude or personality
  • They may lose their job or academic standing due to poor performance

Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

The symptoms of an opioid addiction may look similar to the signs of initial use. Their key differentiator is how greatly they affect someone’s day-to-day life. An addiction will rewrite someone’s priorities and motives, while regular use often doesn’t.

Job Loss and/or Financial Struggles

Fixating on using opioids can lead to neglecting work responsibilities, which may cause job loss and ensuing financial struggles. They may lose their home or need to sell personal belongings, like their car and jewelry, to keep paying for opioids. They might even resort to theft.

Health Complications

An opioid addiction can cause various health complications8, including weight loss, infection, and blood-borne diseases from unclean needles. You may notice they seem haggard and generally unwell.

People who regularly take opioids are also more likely to fall, get sick more often, and actually become more sensitive to pain.

Relationship Struggles

Someone with an opioid addiction may neglect personal relationships and friendships to either hide their use or spend more time on getting, taking, and coming down from opioids. Their relationships may fade and crumble as a result. 

Treatments for Opioid Use

Opioid addiction has many paths to recovery. 

Detox

Opioid treatment often starts with detox, which safely removes opioids from the body and allows it to return to homeostasis. Medications like buprenorphine9 and methadone10 can help people detox from opioids more comfortably and lessen cravings. Some people stay on these medications to enhance their recovery since they reduce the effects opioids have and make them pointless to take.

Rehab

Many residential rehabs offer detox and therapeutic care over the course of 28+ days. Rehabs aim to treat both the medical and emotional effects of opioid addiction, helping people address root issues and build practical relapse prevention skills.

A typical day in rehab includes 1:1 and group therapies, plus group activities and likely a peer step meeting or two. Depending on its location, some rehabs may offer daily activities or weekly outings, like hiking.

Outpatient

Outpatient programs offer intensive care with greater flexibility. You’ll attend therapy during the day but go home at night and have time for personal responsibilities. Many clinics also offer medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction recovery.

For example, you may go to outpatient treatment after work from 5-7 p.m. You’ll likely attend multiple group therapy sessions and focus on building and strengthening relapse prevention skills. A more intensive outpatient program is day treatment, which typically runs for 5-8 hours a day, 5-7 days a week. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) often include 3-5 days of weekly treatment for 2-3 hours daily. 

Continuing Support

Treatment for opioid addiction doesn’t end once your programs do—it can continue for years in aftercare and peer support programs. For example, you could attend regular 12-Step meetings like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or secular SMART Recovery meetings. These keep you connected to others in recovery and provide accountability.

Ongoing therapy can support your healing, too. You can meet with a therapist on a regular cadence to discuss current events and keep working through issues identified in addiction treatment.

Find Opioid Rehabs

Opioid rehabs exist worldwide. They offer various approaches and levels of care, meaning you can find a rehab best suited to your needs and preferences. 
On Recovery.com, you can search for opioid rehabs by location, insurance type, level of care, and more. You can also see reviews, photos, pricing information, and read detailed descriptions of each center.

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Prescription Drugs Misuse and Addiction

Prescription drugs are powerful tools in modern medicine, offering relief and healing for a wide range of conditions; however, when misused, these medications can lead to serious consequences, including addiction. 

By understanding the signs, treatment options, and proactive prevention measures, we can work together to promote safe use and support recovery for those affected.

If someone is overdosing, call 911 or your local emergency services number immediately. If you are qualified, administer CPR. Use Naloxone (Narcan) if available.

What Are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drugs are medications that healthcare providers prescribe to treat specific health conditions. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) medications available for purchase, prescription drugs are carefully selected and dosed by a medical professional to address unique health needs. 

Prescription drugs can range from antibiotics that fight infections to pain relievers for managing discomfort to medications that help control conditions like diabetes, anxiety, or high blood pressure. When used as prescribed, prescription drugs can significantly improve quality of life, but they must be taken correctly to ensure safety and effectiveness.

What Does It Mean to Misuse Prescription Drugs?

Someone may use prescription drugs in a way that isn’t aligned with a healthcare provider’s instructions—this could look like taking higher doses than prescribed, using the drug more frequently, or taking it for reasons other than intended, such as using a pain reliever to achieve a “high” rather than to manage physical pain. Some may even use someone else’s prescription, believing it will help with issues like studying or dealing with stress. 

Using prescription drugs outside their intended purpose can alter the body and brain’s functioning, leading to physical dependence, health risks, and addiction. 

Types of Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs

While prescription drugs are intended to support health, certain types are more prone to misuse and addiction due to their effects on the body and mind. 

Opioids

Opioids are powerful pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl. They are typically prescribed to manage severe pain, especially after surgery or for chronic pain conditions like cancer. When used as directed, opioids can provide relief by blocking pain signals to the brain.

Opioids affect the brain’s reward system, causing euphoria—factoring into their potential for misuse1. When misused—either by taking higher doses, using them more frequently, or combining them with other substances—opioid use can lead to dangerous consequences. Tolerance builds, meaning users may need more of the drug to achieve the same effect, leading to a cycle that ends in addiction. Opioid use also increases the risk of overdose, which can be fatal2, necessitating detoxing with professional medical care.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are a type of sedative prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep disorders. Medications like diazepam, alprazolam, and lorazepam calm the nervous system3, providing short-term anxiety and stress relief.

Similar to opioid misuse, benzodiazepine misuse can quickly lead to tolerance and dependence by increasing dopamine and GABA neurotransmitter release4, triggering the brain’s reward system. Long-term use may cause memory impairment, mood swings, and coordination issues. 

Benzodiazepine detox requires tapering and medical care, as abrupt cessation is extremely dangerous.

Stimulants

Stimulants, including medications like amphetamines (Adderall) and methylphenidate, are prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain sleep disorders like narcolepsy. These drugs enhance the release of dopamine, which can improve focus and concentration5.

When misused, someone may take higher doses of stimulants to increase energy and focus—which is commonly seen in academic or high-stress environments in an attempt to enhance performance. 

However, stimulant misuse can lead to serious side effects, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, paranoia, and even psychosis5. Over time, misuse may also result in dependency, as the brain relies on the increased dopamine levels for motivation and focus.

How Do People Misuse Prescription Drugs?

Taking medication differently from how it was prescribed leads to misuse:

  • Taking Higher Doses: Someone may take more than the recommended dose for enhanced effects, like stronger pain relief or a more intense sedative or stimulant effect. 
  • Using Them More Frequently Than Prescribed: Even if the dose is correct, taking medication more often than prescribed can lead to tolerance and dependence. For example, unnecessarily taking a pain reliever can reduce its effectiveness over time, leading to a cycle where the person feels they need even more of the drug.
  • Taking Someone Else’s Prescription: Prescription drugs are tailored to individual health needs, so using someone else’s medication can be risky. A medication that helps one person might have dangerous side effects for another.
  • Ingesting Them Differently Than Prescribed: To enhance drug effects, people may snort or inject prescription drugs to enter the bloodstream quickly. This behavior heightens the risk of addiction, overdoses, and severe physical damage, such as respiratory problems or infections.
  • Combining Them With Other Substances: Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol, over-the-counter medications, or illicit drugs can amplify side effects and lead to dangerous reactions. For example, someone may combine benzodiazepines with alcohol for a stronger effect; however, this severely slows the respiratory system, increasing the chance of negative health effects. Refer to your doctor for what you should avoid when taking prescription drugs.

All of these practices increase the risk of overdose, addiction, and adverse health effects. Taking medication strictly as prescribed and staying informed about its effects can help avoid these adverse reactions.

Signs and Symptoms of Misuse and Addiction

Wellness Resource Center describes the physical symptoms6 of those misusing sedatives like opioids or benzodiazepines, including drowsiness, confusion, or slowed breathing. For stimulant misuse, symptoms look like increased energy, rapid speech, reduced appetite, dilated pupils, and heightened blood pressure. 

Behavioral changes can be equally telling, including erratic behavior, social withdrawal, or unexplained financial troubles as the person attempts to obtain more medication. Drug use and addiction significantly impact an individual’s emotional and psychological state, causing heightened anxiety, irritability, mood swings, or depression. 

Addicted individuals may prioritize obtaining and using the drug over their responsibilities, relationships, and personal well-being. Developing a tolerance, needing increasingly higher doses to achieve the desired effect, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms like nausea or agitation also signal dependence. 

Prescription Drugs Misuse and Addiction Statistics

Prescription drug misuse is a significant concern in the United States. In 2021, approximately 14.3 million individuals ages 12+ reported misusing prescription psychotherapeutic drugs7 within the past year. Breaking this down, about 8.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million misused tranquilizers or sedatives, and 3.7 million misused stimulants. Additionally, an estimated 5 million individuals had a prescription opioid use disorder during the same period. 

Alarmingly, there were approximately 16,706 overdose deaths involving prescription opioids, underscoring the critical need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Why Do People Get Addicted to Prescription Drugs?

Addiction is complex—while these medications are often prescribed with the best intentions, their misuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction. This happens not only because of their chemical effects on the brain but also due to psychological, societal, and environmental factors. 

Psychological Factors

Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, can be significant risk factors for prescription drug addiction. People struggling with mental health challenges may turn to prescription drugs as a form of self-medication to alleviate their emotional pain or manage symptoms. 

For example, someone with anxiety may misuse benzodiazepines to feel calmer, while a person with chronic depression might misuse stimulants for a temporary sense of energy or motivation. Over time, this reliance can create a cycle of misuse, tolerance, and dependence as the underlying mental health condition remains untreated.

Societal Influences

Societal pressures can play a powerful role in prescription drug addiction. Peer pressure could encourage the misuse of stimulants like Adderall to enhance academic performance or opioids to achieve a euphoric effect. 

Social media and film can further glamorize prescription drug misuse by showcasing it as a trend or coping mechanism. These societal influences can make it difficult to resist experimenting with prescription drugs, even when they understand the potential dangers.

Accessibility and Availability of Prescriptions

Many people have unused medications in their homes, making it easier for others to obtain them without a prescription. Also, healthcare systems sometimes overprescribe certain medications, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, which can unintentionally create opportunities for misuse. So, easy access lowers the barriers for initial experimentation and increases the likelihood of repeated use.

Misunderstanding of the Risks Associated with These Medications

Often, people assume that medications prescribed by a doctor are inherently safe, even when taken in ways not intended. This can lead to downplaying the risks of increasing their dosage, sharing medications, or using them for recreational purposes. 

Treatment Options for Prescription Drug Addiction

Recovering from prescription drug addiction requires a well-rounded approach that addresses both physical and emotional challenges. Medical detox is often the first step, helping patients safely manage withdrawal symptoms under professional supervision. While detox is essential, it’s only the beginning, as lasting recovery requires addressing the root causes of addiction.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is particularly effective for opioid or benzodiazepine addiction8, using medications like buprenorphine or naltrexone to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. When combined with counseling, MAT helps individuals focus on rebuilding their lives. Therapists play a key role in offering tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify harmful patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.

For those with co-occurring mental health issues, dual diagnosis treatment is essential, addressing addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously to reduce relapse risk and improve overall well-being. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery also provide community and accountability, offering encouragement from others with shared experiences. 

Preventing Prescription Drug Misuse

Preventing addiction requires proactive measures—from yourself, healthcare providers, and communities. Patient education from healthcare providers can explain proper medication use, risks of misuse, and the importance of not sharing prescriptions. Safe prescribing practices, such as using prescription drug monitoring programs and prescribing the lowest effective dose, can also reduce misuse.

At home, secure storage and proper disposal of medications help prevent unauthorized access. You can look up your local community take-back programs to find a safe way to dispose of unused drugs. 

Especially for influential adolescents and young adults, awareness campaigns in schools and communities can educate about the risks of misuse. And encouraging open communication in the family and peer groups can support responsible medication use, creating a strong foundation for prevention. Together, these measures create a comprehensive approach to reducing prescription drug abuse before it begins.

Find Treatment for Prescription Drug Misuse

View treatment centers for prescription drug misuse in your area to see reviews, methods of care, and accepted insurances. 

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The “Zombie Drug”: What Xylazine Really Is and 4 Ways to Get Help

You might have heard the term “zombie drug” in news reports or conversations about the drug crisis. This nickname refers to xylazine, a veterinary sedative that’s increasingly showing up in street drugs, especially fentanyl.

While the “zombie” label grabs attention, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Xylazine is creating serious health challenges for people who often don’t realize their drugs have been adulterated. Understanding what xylazine is, how it affects the body, and why it’s become so common can help you recognize the signs and know how to respond.

If someone you care about uses drugs, or if you’re concerned about your own substance use, learning about xylazine could be lifesaving information. Here’s what you need to know about this drug and how to get help.

A Note on Language and Stigma 

Addiction researchers point out that sensationalizing xylazine by portraying users as zombies only adds to the trauma that people struggling with addiction are already facing:

Zombies are cinematically depicted as soulless, dangerous, and required to be killed off entirely for public safety, making the ‘zombie’ analogy especially grave amid the fatal overdose crisis. Xylazine is called the ‘zombie drug’ due to its heavy sedative effect and associated severely infected skin ulcers. We surmise that wide-scale media framing of xylazine as the “zombie drug” has increased stigmas1 onto people who use drugs as their likening to zombies reifies subhuman status.

The skin ulcers caused by xylazine require specialized medical care, which people are less likely to seek if stigma is a barrier. “Xylazine’s proliferation in the illicit drug market will likely increase infected ulcers needing medical attention. People who use drugs are often reluctant to seek medical care due to experiences of medically institutionalized stigma,” say authors of a paper on media framing around xylazine.1 Instead, we should focus on addressing these concerns with compassion and care. 

Learn more about undoing stigmatizing language in our interview with Licensed Professional Counselor Andrew J. Schreier.

What Is the “Zombie Drug?”

Also known as “tranq,” xylazine is a powerful sedative used by veterinarians to calm large animals like horses during medical procedures. Recently, it’s been showing up in street drugs, often mixed with opioids like fentanyl without users’ knowledge. Public health officials are concerned because many people don’t realize they’re being exposed to this additional substance. According to the DEA, xylazine is “commonly encountered in combination with fentanyl2 but has also been detected in mixtures containing cocaine, heroin, and a variety of other drugs.” People sometimes use tranq on its own, but this is less common. 

Increasing Prevalence 

Tranq is increasingly found in the illicit drug supply, following the same geographic spread pattern as fentanyl. It first appeared in 2006, gained popularity in the mid-2010s starting in Philadelphia, then spread throughout the East Coast, South, and eventually to the Western U.S. DEA lab analysis shows dramatic increases in xylazine presence between 2020–2021:2 103% in the Northeast, over 1,000% in the South, and significant jumps in the Midwest (516%) and West (750%).

The drug’s prevalence has grown so extensive in some areas that users no longer have a choice about exposure. Xylazine use now extends beyond U.S. borders, with Mexico3 and Scotland both issuing health warnings in early 2024 following a wave of overdose deaths3 linked to the substance.

Why Xylazine Use Is on the Rise

Several factors contribute to tranq’s popularity in opioid-affected regions. Unlike many controlled substances, xylazine isn’t regulated5 in most places and can be purchased legally for veterinary use, making it easily accessible. Its low cost2—as little as $6–20 per kilogram from online suppliers—allows drug makers to stretch more expensive opioids while maintaining similar sedating effects. 

Some people also seek out xylazine-containing drugs because the effects last longer than opioids alone, though this extended high increases overdose risks since xylazine can’t be reversed by naloxone.

Effects of Xylazine

Xylazine can seriously affect your physical and mental health, and it’s important to know when to seek medical care. Even if you’re not ready to stop using drugs completely, healthcare providers can help treat these conditions and prevent them from getting worse.

Xylazine is a central nervous system depressant that can cause intense drowsiness, confusion, difficulty focusing, problems with coordination, severely slowed breathing (especially dangerous when combined with opioids), dangerously low blood pressure, and reduced body temperature and heart rate.

Skin and Tissue Concerns

One of the most serious long-term effects is xylazine’s impact on skin and tissue health.6 Even brief exposure can cause painful wounds that appear suddenly, worsen quickly, often show up on arms and legs, and require specialized medical care. These wounds can become infected if left untreated, and in severe cases may lead to necrosis or other complications that require amputation. However, healthcare providers are learning more about effective treatment approaches,7 and early intervention can help prevent serious complications.

If you notice any wounds or skin changes, don’t wait to get them checked out. Be honest with medical professionals about possible xylazine exposure so they can give you the right care. Many communities now have specialized wound care services that work with people who use drugs and provide care without judgment.

Learn more about harm reduction strategies that can help keep you safer.

Overdose Risks

The combination of xylazine and opioids—both dangerous drugs in their own right—poses serious overdose risks. Xylazine amplifies the respiratory-depressant effects of opioids, making it easier to stop breathing entirely. Emergency responders often struggle to revive people who overdose on this drug, as opioid-reversal drugs like naloxone do not affect xylazine. Barber explains the risks this poses for people who use street opioids: 

Because xylazine is a sedative and not an opioid,5 overdose reversal medications like Narcan don’t address the drug’s major risks, which include dangerously lowering users’ blood pressure, heart rates and respirations. Those who ingest tranq as part of a fentanyl dose often lapse into hours-long blackouts; by the time they rouse themselves, the effects of the high have worn off, and the desperation for a new dose begins. The CDC still recommends the use of Narcan in suspected intoxications involving xylazine, because it’s so often combined with opioids like fentanyl and heroin.

Xylazine Vaccine

While authorities in the U.S. have started to grasp the seriousness of this crisis, they didn’t fully understand its breadth and depth due to a lack of accurate data. It is, however, clear that an antidote is urgently needed—which is why scientists are developing a vaccine to block xylazine’s toxic effects.8 So far, the vaccine has been tested on animals with promising results, say chemical biologists at Scripps Research.

Why Is Tranq So Dangerous?

Uncertain Presence in the Drug Supply 

One of the biggest challenges with xylazine is that many people don’t know when they might be exposed to it. Illegal drugs are notorious for being unregulated and inconsistent, and xylazine is no exception. It’s often mixed into drugs without users’ knowledge, the amount of tranq present in opioids like fentanyl can vary significantly from one batch or dose to another, and standard drug testing methods don’t detect it. This increases the risk of overdose and other adverse side effects. It’s possible for opioid users to become addicted to xylazine9 before they even realize what they’re taking. 

Limited Reversal Options

Addiction professionals are concerned about xylazine because it complicates overdose response. While naloxone is still essential for reversing opioid overdoses, it doesn’t affect xylazine. This means:

  • Traditional overdose response protocols might not work.
  • People should seek medical care even if they’ve received naloxone.

How to Get Help for Addiction to Xylazine

Whether you’re ready to make changes in your drug use or just need help with immediate health concerns, help is available. Healthcare providers increasingly understand how xylazine affects people and can offer: 

  1. Medical support10 for wounds and infections
  2. Supervised detox services to safely remove xylazine and opioids from the body
  3. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) like buprenorphine or methadone to manage opioid withdrawal 
  4. Comprehensive addiction treatment to address the underlying causes of opioid use and develop healthier coping practices

Finding a Treatment Program

Seeking help might seem daunting, but numerous resources are available:

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Search for a rehab center that fits your needs and speak to an addiction specialist today.

FAQs

Q: What is the zombie cocktail drug? 

A: This term typically refers to street drugs that combine xylazine with synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This combination is dangerous because both substances depress breathing and heart rate, and xylazine cannot be reversed with naloxone.

Q: When was xylazine created? 

A: Xylazine was first synthesized in 1962 by Bayer11 for veterinary use as an animal sedative. It began appearing in the illicit drug supply around 2006, with widespread presence developing in the 2010s.

Q: Who can help with tranq addiction? 

A: Healthcare providers, addiction specialists, wound care teams, and treatment centers can all provide support. Many facilities now offer specialized care for people exposed to xylazine, including medical detox, medication-assisted treatment for opioid components, and wound management services.

Q: Why is xylazine called the “zombie drug”? 

A: Media outlets use this term because xylazine causes intense sedation and can lead to severe skin ulcers. However, addiction experts warn that this sensationalized nickname increases stigma and may discourage people from seeking much-needed medical care.

Q: How does xylazine affect the human body? 

A: Xylazine causes dangerous drops in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It also causes distinctive skin wounds that can appear anywhere on the body, not just injection sites. Combined with opioids, it significantly increases the risk of drug overdose since naloxone doesn’t reverse its effects.

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Heroin Use and Addiction: Signs, Effects, and Dangers

Heroin, a highly addictive opioid, continues to devastate lives around the world. As a potent and fast-acting drug, it affects both the body and mind, often leading people down a dangerous road of dependency and addiction. 

The good news is that recovery is entirely possible, thanks to the abundance of effective treatment options out there. Recognizing the signs of heroin use and encouraging early intervention can prevent lasting harm. 

We’ll walk through what heroin is, how it affects the body, how addiction develops, and why seeking treatment is so important.

Methods of Heroin Use

Heroin can be consumed in several ways, each presenting its own set of risks. 

Injection

Injection is the most common—and most dangerous—method of heroin use. Injected heroin absorbs directly into the bloodstream, causing an immediate, intense high. 

Injecting poses the highest risk of contracting serious infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis due to needle sharing. It also increases the likelihood of collapsed veins, bacterial infections, and—most concerningly—overdose. 

Heroin overdoses are most common through injection because of how quickly the drug absorbs into the body. For people who inject regularly, harm reduction specialists recommend “sampling” heroin via less intense methods1 to test its potency. 

Snorting

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains why some people choose snorting or smoking heroin over injecting:2

Some types of heroin, especially when it’s very pure, can be snorted or smoked, which might seem more appealing to people trying heroin for the first time. They might choose these methods to avoid the stigma around injecting.

When people snort heroin, they breathe it in through the nose. While this method isn’t quite as strong or immediate as injecting, it’s still very risky. Over time, snorting heroin can seriously damage your nose and lead to complications like ongoing sinus infections. It can even create a hole in the tissue between your nostrils. Many people think snorting is safer than injecting, but it can still easily lead to addiction—especially since it’s easy to underestimate how strong the product really is.

Smoking

Smoking heroin involves heating it and inhaling its vapor. Many people believe smoking is a less harmful method, especially for first-time users. But smoking heroin still presents serious health risks, including damage to the lungs, addiction potential, and overdose. People who smoke heroin can quickly build tolerance, dependence, and eventually, addiction.

Regardless of the method, all forms of heroin use are dangerous to your health. 

Effects of Heroin on the Body

Heroin use causes both immediate and long-term effects, many of which are dangerous and irreversible. This drug impacts nearly every organ in the body, including the brain, heart, and lungs.

Short-Term Effects

In the short term, heroin causes a quick rush of pleasure, followed by feeling very sleepy and relaxed. People may also notice that their heart rate slows down and it becomes harder to think clearly. Other common side effects include intense nausea (which may cause vomiting) and itching. These usually last for at least a few hours, during which the body’s systems slow down significantly, making it harder to make decisions or react to your surroundings.

Heroin use depresses breathing,3 which is why pulmonary edema (respiratory failure caused by too much fluid in the lungs) is the main cause of death from heroin overdose. 

Long-Term Effects

Long-term heroin use can seriously harm both physical and mental health. People who use heroin for a long time may experience brain damage, heart issues, and diseases that affect the liver and lungs. It can also cause rapid weight loss and skin sores. Research even shows that heroin use affects bone density.4

The mental impacts are just as concerning. Heroin changes the brain’s structure5 and how it functions, which can cause long-lasting imbalances in the body’s systems. This makes it harder to make decisions, manage your behavior, and handle stress. Studies show that heroin damages the brain’s white matter,6 affecting your ability to think and act clearly. While some people start using heroin to manage mental health symptoms, long-term heroin use eventually worsens anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring mental health conditions.7 

Understanding Heroin Addiction

Heroin is notoriously addictive due to the powerful effects it has on brain chemistry. Once you become addicted, stopping can feel nearly impossible without help.

The Nature of Addiction

Heroin addiction happens quickly because of how it changes the brain’s reward system. When you use heroin, it releases a surge of dopamine, creating a strong sense of pleasure. Over time, your brain starts to rely on heroin to feel good, which causes both physical and psychological dependence. This makes it hard for people to function normally without the drug, which is why addiction isn’t a matter of willpower—it’s an overpowering compulsion.

As you continue using heroin, your body builds a tolerance, meaning you need more and more of it to feel your desired high. But once you’re physically dependent on heroin, if you stop using, your body will go into withdrawal. Eventually, you can develop a full-scale addiction, also known as heroin use disorder.8 This goes beyond physical dependence and turns into a chronic, relapsing disease. People with heroin addiction feel an overwhelming urge to use heroin, even if it’s hurting their health, work, or relationships. 

Heroin is highly addictive no matter how it’s taken, but methods like injection and smoking, which deliver the drug to the brain faster, only increase that risk. Once someone is caught in this cycle, getting and using heroin often becomes their main focus in life.

Withdrawal Challenges

One of the toughest parts of heroin addiction is going through withdrawal. Once you’re physically dependent on heroin, your body starts to react when it starts leaving your system. Heroin withdrawal symptoms9 can start within a few hours after the last dose and tend to peak within 24-48 hours:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting 
  • Muscle aches 
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Strong cravings 
  • Bone pain 
  • Diahrrea 
  • Cold sweats
  • Jerking leg movements

Symptoms usually last for about a week, but some people may continue to feel withdrawal symptoms for much longer. These symptoms aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re painful, and they can even be dangerous. Many people return to heroin abuse simply to avoid the misery of withdrawal. That’s why it’s extremely important to detox from heroin with proper medical supervision and care. 

Overdose Risks

Heroin overdose is extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening. 

Because heroin slows breathing, respiratory failure is the most common cause of fatal heroin overdose.10 According to the WHO,

Opioids are potent respiratory depressants, and overdose is a leading cause of death among people who use them. Worldwide, an estimated 69,000 people die from opioid overdose each year.

The risk of heroin overdose is much higher due to the widespread presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s far stronger than heroin. Fentanyl is often used to cut heroin and other substances; this dangerous drug is showing up more and more in street drugs, leading to a huge increase in fatal overdoses.

Knowing the signs of an overdose—like very slow or shallow breathing, blue lips, or unresponsiveness—can save a life. If you spot these signs, get medical help immediately. Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, but it needs to be administered right away.

Learn more about Naloxone access and training here.

Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction requires comprehensive treatment to address both its physical and psychological aspects. Treatment for heroin use disorder11 usually involves some combination of detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and therapy.

Detox: The First Step in Heroin Recovery

Detox is the process of allowing your body to rid itself of a substance. This stage can cause withdrawal symptoms. Because “opioid withdrawal can be very uncomfortable12 and difficult for the patient,” it’s a main driver of relapse. 

That’s why it’s important to detox under medical supervision, where addiction specialists can monitor your symptoms, help you manage withdrawals, and generally keep you as safe and comfortable as possible during the process. A controlled environment also means you won’t have access to substances. Some detox centers even offer counseling or integration with an addiction treatment program to address the psychological aspects of detox and set you up for recovery success. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective approach for heroin addiction.13 Medications are typically used in treatment to: 

  • Replace heroin with a prescription opioid that can then be managed by a prescribing doctor
  • Block the effects of heroin and reduce the intense cravings that often lead to relapse

NIDA describes these categories of medications:

Medications developed to treat opioid use disorders14 work through the same opioid receptors as the addictive drug, but are safer and less likely to produce the harmful behaviors that characterize a substance use disorder. Three types of medications include: (1) agonists, which activate opioid receptors; (2) partial agonists, which also activate opioid receptors but produce a smaller response; and (3) antagonists, which block the receptor and interfere with the rewarding effects of opioids. A particular medication is used based on a patient’s specific medical needs and other factors. 

The medications most commonly used in MAT are: 

  • Methadone and buprenorphine, prescription opioid medications that are taken daily over the course of several months or years to reduce the cravings and drug-seeking behaviors associated with heroin
  • Naltrexone, a non-narcotic medication that blocks the effects of heroin so you don’t get pleasure from using

All of these medications are approved by the FDA. However, MAT carries its own set of risks, as the medications used in opioid replacement therapy are themselves opioids and are therefore addictive. This is mitigated by controlling the methods and environment in which they’re taken. For example, someone might visit a clinic every day to receive methadone administered by a treatment professional.

Counseling and Therapy

While medication-assisted treatment helps with the physical side of addiction, counseling and therapy are just as important for its emotional and mental aspects. Addiction treatment usually involves a combination of individual and group therapy to help you process what arises on your journey, learn healthy coping skills, and build a strong support network. Therapy gives you a safe place to talk about your feelings, helping you identify what led to your addiction and learn how to work through challenges differently in the future. 

Harm-Reduction Strategies for Heroin Users

For those who aren’t yet ready to completely quit using heroin, harm reduction strategies can help minimize the risks.

What Is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction focuses on making drug use safer, even if someone isn’t ready or able to quit yet. The goal is to reduce the risks and harmful effects of using drugs, like preventing overdoses or infections, without stopping use completely. Based on a principle of “any positive change”15 and originally created as an alternative to incarceration in communities of color, harm reduction is about meeting people where they are and helping them stay as safe as possible. 

Practical Approaches to Minimize Risks

Harm reduction practices include safe injection sites, needle exchange programs, and overdose prevention education. 

  • Safe injection sites provide a clean and supervised environment for people to inject heroin, reducing the risk of infection and overdose. 
  • Needle exchange programs allow people who inject heroin to obtain sterile needles, decreasing the transmission of infectious diseases like hepatitis and HIV. 
  • Overdose prevention education teaches people how to recognize and respond to an overdose, including how to administer naloxone.

Recognizing Signs of Heroin Use

Recognizing the signs of heroin use can be the first step toward helping someone get the treatment they need.

Behavioral Signs

People who are using heroin often show noticeable changes in how they act. They might pull away from friends and family, stop doing things they used to love doing, or ignore important responsibilities. You might notice them taking more risks or even doing things that are illegal. It’s also common for people using heroin to become secretive, not wanting to talk about where they’ve been or why they’re acting differently.

Physical Signs

There are some clear physical signs that someone is using heroin. They might lose weight, have visible marks on their arms from injections, and often seem sleepy or have slurred speech. You might also notice skin infections, poor hygiene, and signs that they’re not eating well.

What to Do if You Suspect Someone Is Using Heroin

If you’re worried that someone you love is using heroin, approach them with kindness and understanding. Try not to be judgmental or overly confrontational, as this can make them defensive. Instead, let your loved one know you’re there for them, encourage them to get professional help, and have resources available. Share information about treatment options and harm reduction so they know support is there when they’re ready.

Learn more about staging an intervention here.

Recovering From Heroin Addiction

It may not feel like it now, but recovery from heroin addiction is entirely possible, and there are plenty of resources available to help you do so. Recognizing the signs of heroin addiction and getting professional help as soon as possible can increase your chances of successfully getting sober and preventing relapse.

Comprehensive addiction treatment programs that include detox, medication-assisted treatment, talk therapy, and social support offer a path to a new, substance-free life. If you’re ready to take your first step toward recovery, search for heroin addiction treatment centers and reach out to a support specialist today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heroin Use and Addiction

What are the first signs of heroin use?

Early signs of heroin use include changes in sleep patterns, irritability, sudden weight loss, and physical marks from injection, such as track marks on the arms or legs.

How long does heroin withdrawal last?

Heroin withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of the last use and typically last up to a week, but how severe they are, and how long they last, can vary from person to person.

Can heroin addiction be treated successfully?

Yes, heroin addiction can be successfully treated with a combination of medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and long-term support. Recovery requires ongoing care and a commitment to working through challenges, but it’s entirely possible.

How can I help someone addicted to heroin?

If you know someone struggling with heroin addiction, avoid enabling behaviors and instead offer them your support and encouragement to get professional help. Have resources ready, such as information on harm reduction strategies and treatment programs for when they’re ready to get sober.

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Fentanyl Use and Addiction: Risks and Symptoms

Fentanyl, an extremely potent synthetic opioid, is at the forefront of the opioid crisis worldwide. While it was originally developed for medical purposes—primarily to treat severe pain—it’s since become a major player in the illicit drug market. Fentanyl is 50-100 times stronger than morphine, and even a small dose can be fatal. And as it finds its way into more street drugs, its risks are only growing. 

Almost 70% of overdose deaths are caused by fentanyl1 and other synthetic opioids, and that number is continuing to rise. Because it can be deadly even in small doses, people who use street drugs are at increased risk of overdose even if they don’t use fentanyl intentionally.  

Fentanyl-related crises signal an urgent need for more education, awareness, and intervention. We explore fentanyl’s history, medical uses, the consequences of its misuse, and the various treatment options available for addiction.

History and Origins of Fentanyl

Development of Fentanyl

Fentanyl was first created in the 1960s2 by Belgian chemist Dr. Paul Janssen. Its original purpose was to serve as a stronger painkiller for people dealing with severe, unmanageable pain. Unlike other opioids at the time, fentanyl offered fast pain relief, making it helpful in surgical settings and for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

The creation of fentanyl filled an important gap in pain management, especially for patients who couldn’t get adequate relief from morphine and other opioids. But its extreme potency also came with risks—particularly in non-medical use—that have grown over time.

Fentanyl in Modern Medicine

Fentanyl is still widely used in the medical world, but in different forms. It’s administered via transdermal patches, lozenges, nasal sprays, and intravenously. Fentanyl patches3 provide a slow release of medication over time and are often used to treat chronic pain, especially in cancer patients. Hospitals use intravenous fentanyl during surgeries or to treat acute post-surgical pain.

While fentanyl is helpful for treating severe pain, it must be handled with extreme care. Its potency makes it a prime candidate for misuse, and poses a serious risk for addiction and fatal overdose.

Medical Uses of Fentanyl

Pain Management for Cancer Patients

One of the most important medical uses for fentanyl is in cancer care.4 For some patients who deal with severe, chronic pain that doesn’t respond to other opioids, fentanyl can provide welcome relief. In this case, it’s usually administered through a patch, which allows the drug to be absorbed slowly through the skin for consistent pain management over several days.

Use in Surgical and Emergency Settings

Fentanyl is also used in surgical and emergency settings,5 as it helps manage high-level pain before, during, and after surgery. Emergency responders often rely on fentanyl to treat patients experiencing severe trauma or undergoing emergency medical procedures where rapid pain relief is critical.

Safe Prescribing Practices for Fentanyl

Prescribing Guidelines for Healthcare Providers

Because fentanyl is so strong, healthcare providers follow strict guidelines when they prescribe it. Doses must be carefully calculated to avoid overdose, and patients are closely monitored. Its risks increase even further when it’s mixed with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines. 

Researchers on pain management and substance abuse6 say “the concurrent use of opioids, benzodiazepines, and/or alcohol poses a formidable challenge for clinicians who manage chronic pain,” even warning about increased risks when each of these substances is “used appropriately.” They recommend regular drug screening for patients on chronic opioid therapy to reduce the risk of addiction, overdose, and other serious side effects. 

Patient Education on Safe Use

If you’re prescribed fentanyl, your doctor must explain how to use it safely. “Patient education regarding the risks of fentanyl,7 especially regarding its potential for respiratory depression and addiction, is vital for promoting safe use and preventing misuse or overdose,” says Indunil Karunarathna of Badulla Teaching Hospital. 

Patients should be aware of the risks of misuse, like taking more than prescribed or mixing fentanyl with other substances, which raises the risk of addiction or overdose. Knowing how to store and dispose of fentanyl properly also helps prevent accidents and misuse.

Understanding Fentanyl Addiction

How Fentanyl Addiction Develops

Because of fentanyl’s extreme potency, it’s even harder to protect against adverse effects like addiction. Fentanyl works by binding to specific brain receptors, causing a dopamine rush that creates pleasure and relief. Over time, people may feel they need more to feel the same effect, which leads to increased tolerance and dependency. It’s highly addictive even when it’s used for pain relief as prescribed. 

Risk Factors for Fentanyl Addiction

People dealing with chronic pain who need long-term opioids, those with a history of addiction, or those struggling with their mental health may be more likely to use fentanyl as a form of self-medication. 

Some people use fentanyl intentionally, and some take it accidentally because of the presence of fentanyl in illicit drugs. Either way, fentanyl increases risk factors for overdose and addiction. In one study on fentanyl’s impact on opioid overdose, 40% of participants said they had knowingly used fentanyl.8 Outcomes were worse if they were using drugs as a response to mental health conditions like PTSD. 

Signs and Symptoms of Fentanyl Addiction

Physical Symptoms

Common physical signs of fentanyl addiction include: 

  • Feeling drowsy and confused
  • Respiratory depression (shallow or slow breathing)
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Slurred speech
  • Nausea or vomiting

Behavioral Indicators

Behavioral changes like these might also suggest an addiction:

  • Seeking multiple prescriptions (“doctor shopping”)
  • Acting secretive or avoiding others
  • Failing to show up for responsibilities
  • Continuing to use fentanyl despite its negative consequences

Psychological Symptoms

Fentanyl takes a heavy psychological toll. Common symptoms include:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Trouble thinking clearly

Side Effects of Fentanyl Use

Common Side Effects

Even when used as prescribed, fentanyl can cause:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Sedation and fatigue

These may be manageable under medical supervision, but can become dangerous if fentanyl is misused.

Severe Side Effects

Fentanyl can cause more severe consequences, especially in high doses or when mixed with other drugs:

  • Dangerous breathing issues (most opioid overdoses are the result of respiratory depression)
  • Hallucinations or confusion
  • Coma or death

Risk Factors for Fentanyl Overdose

Overdose 

The biggest danger of fentanyl use is its dangerously high risk of overdose. Because it’s so potent, even a small dose can be deadly. Illicit drug markets now commonly mix fentanyl with heroin or cocaine, often without the person’s knowledge. This increases the risk of accidental overdose, which has fueled the ongoing opioid crisis. 

High Potency and Small Doses

Fentanyl is far stronger than other opioids, meaning only a small amount is needed for effect—but it’s easy to take too much. This makes accidental overdose a big risk. Sadly, little is understood about how to reverse its effects. While medications like naloxone may help in emergencies, they aren’t always effective with fentanyl.

Fentanyl’s extreme strength makes its risks even harder to manage than other opioids like heroin or oxycodone. According to pharmacological researchers,

Because fentanyl is so potent, only small amounts are needed to produce pharmacological effects, but the margin between safe and toxic doses is narrow.9 Surprisingly little is known about the exact signaling mechanisms underlying fentanyl-related respiratory depression or the effectiveness of naloxone in reversing this effect. Similarly, little is known about the ability of treatment medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone to reduce illicit fentanyl use.

Illicit Use of Fentanyl

Some people intentionally seek out fentanyl for its intense effects, despite its deadly risks. Known for its extreme potency, fentanyl is often sought out as an alternative to heroin or other opioids by those with a high opioid tolerance. However, even small miscalculations in dosing can be fatal, making intentional use particularly dangerous and unpredictable. The adverse effects of fentanyl are especially pronounced in the context of street drugs, where the purity and composition are unregulated.

Dangers of Fentanyl

Fentanyl in Illicit Drugs

Fentanyl is often added to street drugs like heroin or cocaine to make them feel stronger. Most people who buy these drugs don’t realize there’s fentanyl in them. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl is extremely powerful, so when it’s mixed in without people knowing, the overdose risk goes up dramatically.

The Danger of Mixing Fentanyl With Other Substances

Mixing fentanyl with other substances, especially other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines, compounds the risk of overdose. Both fentanyl and these substances depress the central nervous system, slowing breathing and heart rate. When combined, they can lead to fatal respiratory depression, even in people with a higher tolerance.

Treatment Options for Fentanyl Addiction

Detoxification Processes

The first step in recovery is often detox, where the drug is safely removed from the body under medical care. Detoxing from fentanyl involves intense withdrawal symptoms, which are a primary cause of relapse for those trying to get sober. Withdrawing from opioids can be life-threatening,10 so it’s best to do so in a safe, controlled environment.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Fentanyl withdrawal can be particularly challenging, with symptoms that range from flu-like discomfort to severe anxiety and agitation:

  • Intense cravings
  • Sweating and chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Clammy skin 
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea and vomiting 

The withdrawal process can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on each person and the severity of their addiction.

Rehabilitation and Therapy Approaches

After detox, rehab programs—either inpatient or outpatient—offer support to address the mental side of addiction. These programs often combine talk therapy, support groups, and recovery-focused activities to help you heal from both the symptoms of addiction and its underlying cause. 

Addiction often stems from unresolved trauma, and fentanyl dependency is no exception. Research shows that treating co-occurring mental health disorders alongside fentanyl addiction can reduce its risks and encourage long-term sobriety: 

Other mental disorders, such as depression, insomnia, and suicidality, can also occur with fentanyl abuse, contributing to relapse and a higher risk of respiratory depression or overdose death. The treatment of these mental disorders may help prevent fentanyl-related fatalities11 and achieve abstinence.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective option for managing fentanyl addiction. Prescribing doctors use medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone to reduce cravings and manage fentanyl withdrawal symptoms. For comprehensive, lasting recovery, it’s best to combine MAT with counseling and behavioral therapies.

Harm Reduction Strategies for Fentanyl Users

Overdose Prevention Efforts

Public health initiatives aimed at preventing fentanyl overdoses are a key part of combating the opioid crisis. Education campaigns, community outreach, and access to resources like naloxone (Narcan) have helped reduce overdose deaths by providing life-saving interventions. 

Addiction treatment professionals widely recommend promoting harm reduction practices around fentanyl use. The CDC’s fentanyl overdose prevention campaign12 includes: 

  • Education to reduce stigma and increase awareness 
  • Expanding access to naloxone 
  • Promoting fentanyl addiction treatment 
  • Detecting and responding to overdose outbreaks 

Access to Naloxone

Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, is an important tool in the fight against fentanyl overdose. It works by quickly binding to opioid receptors, reversing the effects of the opioid. Naloxone is now widely available, and many organizations are working to increase access to this life-saving medication for people who use drugs that might contain fentanyl or otherwise put themselves at risk of overdose.

Learn more about obtaining and using naloxone here.

Safe Use Practices

For people who continue to use fentanyl or other synthetic opioids, harm-reduction strategies like these can help reduce the risk of overdose:

  • Using fentanyl with a trusted friend who can seek help in an emergency
  • Avoiding mixing fentanyl with other depressants
  • Testing drugs for fentanyl contamination using test strips

Fentanyl test strips13 are inexpensive and results take as little as 5 minutes. Even if the test is negative, note that test strips might not detect other dangerous opioids like carfentanil.

Seeking Help and Resources for Fentanyl Addiction

Finding Support Groups

Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be incredibly helpful for those working toward recovery from fentanyl addiction. These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, build community, and learn strategies to stay sober—all while receiving the support and accountability of others who understand.

Professional Treatment Facilities

Addiction treatment centers offer targeted support for people dealing with fentanyl addiction, with programs that include detox, rehab, and aftercare. Whether inpatient or outpatient, these programs are designed to guide you through each stage of recovery, giving you the space, structure, and support you need to start your fentanyl-free life.

Finding Hope in Recovery from Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl can be a valuable tool for people with severe pain, but it comes with serious risks, even when it’s used as directed. Its potency has led to a tragic rise in addiction and overdoses. 

Comprehensive treatment, harm reduction initiatives, and support groups offer a path out of the dark and into a healthy, fulfilling, fentanyl-free life. Overcoming fentanyl addiction is a huge challenge, and one you shouldn’t take on alone. Search for an opioid addiction treatment center that can help you start your recovery journey with the best possible chance of success, and reach out to a support specialist today.  

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Hydrocodone Misuse and Addiction: How It Happens and How to Get Help

Hydrocodone is a commonly prescribed pain medication that helps people manage moderate to severe pain, often after surgery or injury. When used as directed by a healthcare provider, it can be an effective tool for pain relief. But like other opioids, hydrocodone comes with risks, particularly if taken in ways not prescribed.

If you’re concerned about hydrocodone misuse, addiction, or how to find support, we’re here to help. We’ll cover what hydrocodone is, how misuse can lead to addiction, and the steps you can take toward safer use or recovery.

Let’s start by looking at what hydrocodone is and how it works.

What Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid that’s often used to manage pain after surgery, injury, or in cases of chronic pain. Medications like Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab combine hydrocodone with acetaminophen to make it more effective. It’s also used as an antitussive, or cough suppressant. It works by changing how your brain and nervous system perceive pain, making it an effective tool for short-term pain management when you use it as prescribed.

But opioids like hydrocodone also trigger a release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, which is why people might start taking it in ways that aren’t recommended. Some people start using larger doses or taking it more often than prescribed. Over time, this can lead to dependence or addiction.

Hydrocodone is the most commonly prescribed opioid in the U.S.1 But “In response to the opioid crisis and revised clinical guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain, there has been an ongoing effort to reduce the prescribing of opioids.” 

Legally, hydrocodone is considered a Schedule II controlled substance.2 Schedule II drugs are “are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. [They’re] also considered dangerous.”

Hydrocodone Misuse and Addiction Statistics

Hydrocodone misuse is more common than you might think. This commonly prescribed drug plays a significant role in the larger opioid crisis. 

These numbers show just how widespread the issue is—and why treatment and harm-reduction strategies are more important than ever.

How Does Hydrocodone Lead to Addiction?

“As with most opiates,” says the DEA, “abuse of hydrocodone is associated with tolerance, dependence, and addiction.”6

When you take hydrocodone, it binds to opioid receptors in your brain. This not only reduces pain but also releases dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Over time, your brain and body adapt to its constant presence. Here’s how that can lead to addiction:

  • Tolerance: You need more hydrocodone to feel the same effects.
  • Dependence: You feel “off” without it, and may experience withdrawal symptoms.
  • Cravings: You feel a strong urge to keep taking hydrocodone even if it’s causing problems in your life.

Addiction isn’t about weakness or lack of willpower—it’s a complex condition that causes changes in the brain. Being aware of addiction and other risks can help you approach hydrocodone use with more safety and caution.

Risks and Dangers of Hydrocodone Misuse

While hydrocodone can be a helpful short-term strategy for managing acute pain, it also carries risks. These risks increase even more if you mix it with other substances, take more than you’re prescribed, or use it without a prescription.

Overdose Risks

Taking too much hydrocodone can slow your breathing and heart rate, which can be life-threatening. Most fatal opioid overdoses are caused by respiratory depression. Combining hydrocodone with alcohol or sedatives heightens this risk.

If you’re concerned about hydrocodone overdose,7 watch for these signs: 

  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Cold or clammy skin
  • Slow heartbeat 

If you believe someone is overdosing, administer naloxone and call 911 immediately. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for 24/7 support and more information about accessing naloxone.

Impact on Daily Life

Hydrocodone misuse can affect your work, relationships, and overall quality of life as it becomes harder to manage daily responsibilities. You might find yourself withdrawing from relationships, missing important commitments, or struggling to accomplish tasks that once felt easy. While many people start misusing hydrocodone to self-soothe emotional challenges, the reality is that it compounds these struggles. Meanwhile, the guilt, shame, and frustration that come along with addiction can make it feel even harder to reach out for help.

Physical Health Effects

Long-term effects of hydrocodone use8 include: 

  • “Liver problems
  • Hearing loss
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Chronic constipation”

Because hydrocodone products often contain acetaminophen, long-term use is especially dangerous for the liver. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains: 

When combined with acetaminophen, hydrocodone combinations have become a common cause of acetaminophen acute liver injury.9 The typical history is of a patient who began taking more than the prescribed number of pills over several days, attempting to achieve more of an opiate effect and leading secondarily and unintentionally to an overdose of acetaminophen. 

Opioid combinations that contained over 325 mg were discontinued because of this high risk for liver damage.

Mental Health Effects

Misusing prescription painkillers like hydrocodone doesn’t just affect your body—it changes the way your brain works, which can seriously affect your mental health. If you take hydrocodone for a prolonged period, your brain may start to rely on it to feel okay, disrupting your natural ability to regulate your mood and emotions.

This can make you feel anxious, irritable, or depressed when the drug leaves your system. For people already living with mental health conditions, hydrocodone misuse can make symptoms worse by intensifying mood swings or increasing instability. Regularly dealing with overpowering cravings can add stress to your life and make it harder to focus on managing your mental health.

Dependence and Addiction

Using hydrocodone regularly, even as prescribed, can lead to dependence. Misusing it—for example, taking higher doses or mixing it with other substances—increases the likelihood of addiction. The NIH warns,

Hydrocodone combination products may be habit forming.10 Take your hydrocodone combination product exactly as directed. Do not take more of it, take it more often, or take it in a different way than directed by your doctor. While taking hydrocodone combination products, discuss with your healthcare provider your pain treatment goals, length of treatment, and other ways to manage your pain.

To reduce the risk of addiction, you should always take hydrocodone (or any other prescription opioid) under medical supervision.

Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction

Recognizing the signs of addiction can help you or someone you care about take action. Here are some common indicators:

Behavioral Signs

  • Spending a lot of time thinking about or obtaining hydrocodone
  • Visiting multiple doctors to get prescriptions (“doctor shopping”)
  • Pulling away from friends and family or neglecting your responsibilities
  • Using someone else’s medication

Physical Symptoms

  • Often feeling sleepy, drowsy, or fatigued 
  • Pinpoint pupils (small, constricted pupils)
  • Nausea, vomiting, or constipation that doesn’t seem to go away
  • Slurred speech
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Difficulty concentrating

Emotional and Psychological Signs

  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Feeling anxious, restless, or down when you don’t have hydrocodone
  • Guilt or shame about your use but feeling unable to stop

Risk Factors 

Certain factors can make you more likely to form a hydrocodone addiction.10 According to the NIH, you might be more susceptible if “anyone in your family drinks or has ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, uses or has ever used street drugs, or has overused prescription medications, or has had an overdose, or if you have or have ever had depression or another mental illness.” 

Treatments for Hydrocodone Addiction

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment—what works best depends on your unique situation. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT uses medications like buprenorphine or methadone to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications can help you stabilize while you work on your recovery.

2. Behavioral Therapy

Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational interviewing can help you work through the patterns and triggers behind your use and develop healthier strategies for dealing with challenges.

3. Inpatient and Outpatient Programs

  • Inpatient programs provide a safe, structured environment where you can focus on recovery full-time.
  • Outpatient programs offer flexibility, allowing you to attend therapy while living at home and continuing to be involved in your day-to-day responsibilities.

4. Support Groups

Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery connect you with others who understand what you’re going through. Peer support can be incredibly powerful.

5. Holistic Approaches

Rehabs often use yoga, meditation, and other holistic therapies to complement core treatments. These work on different parts of the brain than talk therapy, helping you manage stress and reconnect with yourself as you journey through the stages of recovery.

Find an Opioid Drug Treatment Center

Recovery is a journey, not a quick fix. What’s important is finding a path that feels right for you.

If you’re ready to stop using hydrocodone but struggling to do so on your own, there are resources available to help. As with all opioids, it’s important to detox from hydrocodone under medical supervision to make the withdrawal process as safe and comfortable as possible. After detox, a comprehensive addiction treatment program can help you address the root causes of your addiction and start making lifestyle changes that empower you to live hydrocodone-free for good.

Explore your opioid addiction treatment options and find the support that works for you.