Anyone who uses opioids—whether prescribed or illicit—is at risk of developing an addiction. While factors such as your personal history, genetics, and length of use can influence risk, there’s no way to predict who will become dependent. Today, opioids are a leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S., whether they are legally prescribed, misused, or obtained illegally.
Addiction happens when something that once felt pleasurable becomes something you can’t live without. Doctors define drug addiction as:
An irresistible craving for the drug.
Compulsive use, even when it leads to harmful consequences.
Opioids are particularly addictive because they activate the brain’s reward system, creating powerful feelings of pleasure that can quickly lead to dependence.
When you take opioids, they trigger the release of endorphins—your brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. This process:
Temporarily reduces pain.
Creates a sense of well-being or euphoria.
When the effects wear off, you may feel a strong urge to take more, chasing that same feeling. Over time, this cycle can become the first step toward addiction.
Opioids are most dangerous when they are misused—taken in ways other than prescribed. For example:
Crushing or snorting pills or injecting them.
Taking higher doses or more frequent doses than prescribed.
This can be life-threatening, especially with long-acting or extended-release opioids, as the entire dose is delivered to your body all at once, increasing the risk of overdose.
Even when taken as directed, prescription opioids can lead to dependence—especially with long-term use. Research shows that:
Using opioids for as little as five days can increase the odds of still using them a year later.
The longer you take opioids, the higher the risk of developing an addiction.
Opioid addiction is a chronic but treatable condition. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)—using medications like Suboxone combined with therapy and counseling—is proven to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making recovery possible. At R.I.S.E, we focus on whole-person care, addressing not just the addiction but the underlying emotional and physical challenges that come with it.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use, know that recovery is possible with the right support. Schedule a consultation with R.I.S.E today to learn how we can help you create a personalized treatment plan that puts you back in control.
Opioids include both prescription pain medications (like oxycodone or hydrocodone) and illegal drugs such as heroin. While prescription opioids are often safe when taken exactly as directed by a doctor, misuse can quickly lead to dependence or addiction—what medical professionals call an opioid use disorder (OUD).
Opioid use disorder is a medical condition that makes it difficult for someone to stop using opioids, even when they want to. It’s not just about physical cravings—it also involves behaviors and actions influenced by opioid use that interfere with work, relationships, and daily life. Over time, misuse of opioids can lead to physical dependence, meaning the body has adapted to the drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms without it.
Opioids are a class of drugs which block sensations of pain and cause euphoria. They are dangerous because they pose very high risks for addiction and overdose. Opioids are an ingredient in many pain-relieving medications. Since they are controlled substances, drug traffickers also sell them illegally. Opioids, both illegal and prescribed, have caused a surge of deaths in the US in the past 2 decades.
Heroin is a powerful and addictive Opioid. It is an illegal drug which poses serious risks for overdose. Heroin, especially Heroin mixed with Fentanyl (a very powerful Synthetic Opioid), has been a major contributor to the Opioid epidemic in the United States.
Methadone is commonly used to help treat Opioid Addiction but needs to be prescribed correctly. Methadone is typically provided in a clinic setting and can be used to treat cravings and withdrawal.
The medication buprenorphine relieves opioid cravings but does not give the same high as other opioids. This medicine is often prescribed by doctors in offices. It can be administered under the tongue as a daily dose or via thin tubes that are inserted underneath the skin. The effects last for six months.
Both of these medicines activate opioid receptors in your body, suppressing cravings. They are both safe and effective in safety and side effects. They are typically used for maintenance treatments and these medicines can also be used to reduce the effects of opioids. Patients are likely to relapse and doctors must do more with patients who have relapsed multiple times. This type of intensive outpatient treatment tends to be more effective for patients who are motivated and have a strong social support system at home.
Naltrexone, a completely different medication, doesn’t activate the opioid receptor but blocks the euphoric/sedative effects. Before naltrexone can be started, the patient must have completely eliminated all opioids from their system. You can either take it orally or once a month.
Vivitrol, one of our newer medications, is a monthly injection used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. It contains naltrexone, which reduces the desire to drink alcohol and blocks the effects of opioids. It should only be used in individuals who have already gone through detoxification and abstained from drugs/alcohol for 7-10 days. It is an important tool in addiction treatment, used in combination with counseling and other support services.
Naloxone is available in emergency situations when respiratory arrest due to opioid overdose has occurred or is imminent. Naloxone can flush out opioid receptors and reverse an overdose. However, it is not an addiction treatment.
Sober living programs along with supervised detox are other alternative treatment methods that are proven effective and safe.
R.I.S.E offers personalized medication assisted treatment programs for opioid addiction treatment. Contact our team of substance abuse and mental health treatment professionals today to schedule your consultation with us!
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