Opioid addiction is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires specialized care and support. At Keys Behavioral Health, we are committed to providing comprehensive treatment options tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Our compassionate approach, combined with evidence-based practices, helps our clients reclaim their lives and achieve lasting recovery.
Opioids come in various forms, each classified based on how they are produced. Broadly, they are categorized into three types: natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic opioids.
Natural opioids are substances directly derived from the opium poppy plant. Common examples include morphine and codeine, which are often used in medical settings for pain relief. These are the original forms of opioids and have been in use for centuries.
Semi-synthetic opioids are created by chemically altering natural opioids. These include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin. While some, like oxycodone and hydrocodone, are prescribed for pain management, heroin is illegal and widely abused. These drugs are typically stronger than their natural counterparts and carry a higher risk of dependency and abuse.
Synthetic opioids, on the other hand, are fully man-made in labs and are not derived from opium at all. Drugs like fentanyl, tramadol, and methadone fall into this category. Of these, fentanyl is particularly potent—estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine—and has played a major role in the recent surge of opioid overdoses and fatalities.
Opioids are known by many different names, both in medical contexts and on the streets. In prescription form, they may be recognized by brand names like OxyContin (oxycodone), Vicodin (hydrocodone), and Percocet (a mix of oxycodone and acetaminophen). On the street, names vary depending on the drug. Heroin, for instance, is commonly referred to as “smack,” “junk,” or “H.” Fentanyl is often called “China White” or “Apache” in illegal markets. There are also general slang terms for opioids such as “painkillers,” “narcs,” or “hillbilly heroin”—a nickname sometimes used for oxycodone.
Given their widespread use in medicine and their high potential for misuse, opioids represent a serious public health issue, fueling the ongoing crisis of addiction and overdose in communities around the world.
Although opioids are widely prescribed for pain relief, extended use can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction, which often spirals into devastating consequences. What begins as a legitimate medical need can evolve into a destructive cycle that robs individuals of their health, mental clarity, and relationships.
The damage caused by opioid addiction extends far beyond the physical. It disrupts mental stability, emotional well-being, and social connections, often leading to isolation and despair. Recognizing the risks associated with opioid misuse is crucial for prevention, intervention, and recovery. It’s not just about the physical dangers—opioid addiction is a multifaceted issue that demands urgent attention and comprehensive solutions.
The physical consequences of opioid addiction can be both immediate and long-lasting. One of the most critical dangers is respiratory depression—opioids slow down breathing, which can become so severe that it leads to unconsciousness or even death from overdose. This is especially common when opioids are mixed with other substances like alcohol or sedatives.
Long-term opioid use weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and chronic diseases. Common side effects include persistent constipation, liver damage (especially from opioids combined with acetaminophen), and heart complications. People who inject drugs like heroin face additional health threats, including the risk of bloodborne diseases like HIV and hepatitis, due to unsafe needle practices.
As the body becomes dependent on opioids, tolerance builds, meaning users must take increasingly higher doses to feel the same effects. This escalates the risk of overdose. The brain’s natural reward system is hijacked, making it difficult to experience pleasure without the drug. Withdrawal symptoms—ranging from body aches and chills to vomiting and intense cravings—can be so painful that many users feel trapped in the addiction. Paradoxically, chronic opioid use can actually heighten pain sensitivity, leaving users in more discomfort than before. This vicious cycle takes a heavy toll on the body and makes escaping addiction incredibly difficult without professional help.
Opioid addiction doesn’t just devastate the body—it wreaks havoc on the mind as well. A major psychological consequence is depression. Opioids interfere with dopamine production, the brain’s chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward. Over time, this disruption leads to deep emotional numbness and sadness that can feel impossible to escape.
Addiction also brings anxiety, irritability, and unpredictable mood swings, as users become emotionally dependent on opioids to feel “normal.” Things that once brought joy—hobbies, relationships, goals—lose their meaning, intensifying feelings of emptiness and isolation. This emotional withdrawal can push individuals further into substance use as a way to cope.
Many people dealing with opioid addiction also suffer from underlying mental health conditions like PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. The constant stress of chasing the next high, managing withdrawals, and dealing with guilt or shame creates a mental pressure cooker. Suicidal thoughts and self-harm are tragically common. During withdrawal, some may even experience severe psychological symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, and panic attacks. The longer the addiction continues, the harder it becomes to recognize one’s self, leading to a sense of hopelessness and despair that can seem impossible to overcome without compassionate support and comprehensive treatment.
The fallout from opioid addiction spreads far beyond the individual—it can fracture relationships, derail careers, and destabilize entire communities. On a personal level, addiction often destroys trust and connection with loved ones. As behavior becomes erratic or harmful, family members and friends may feel helpless, hurt, or betrayed. Many users withdraw from those they care about, while others may lie, steal, or manipulate to sustain their addiction. The damage to relationships can be long-lasting and, in some cases, irreversible.
Parents struggling with opioid addiction may lose custody of their children, and many marriages or close friendships don’t survive the chaos addiction brings. At work, the impacts are equally severe. Opioid use often leads to frequent absences, reduced productivity, or job loss, which in turn leads to financial stress and, in many cases, homelessness. When addiction becomes the focus of a person’s life, everything else—career, stability, future goals—takes a backseat.
The legal consequences are also significant. Addiction can drive individuals to engage in illegal activities such as drug possession, theft, or fraud, resulting in arrests, criminal records, and incarceration. On a broader scale, entire communities feel the impact. Towns heavily affected by the opioid crisis often experience rising crime rates, strained healthcare resources, and increased economic pressure. From emergency services to child welfare systems, the social burden of opioid addiction is massive, making it one of the most urgent public health crises of our time.
Opioid addiction often begins subtly, making it difficult to recognize at first. One of the earliest signs is a growing tolerance—needing higher or more frequent doses to achieve the same effect. Individuals may start taking opioids in ways not prescribed, such as crushing pills or using multiple prescriptions. They may also begin obsessively thinking about the drug, planning their day around the next dose, or seeking refills before they are due. This preoccupation with opioids can start to dominate their lives, signaling a shift from controlled use to dependence.
Behavioral changes are another major indicator of opioid addiction. People may withdraw from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed. They might lie, steal, or manipulate others to obtain drugs. Work or school performance often suffers, and responsibilities at home may be neglected. Mood swings, irritability, secrecy, and defensiveness about drug use are common. Financial problems may arise due to the cost of obtaining opioids, and some individuals may turn to illegal drugs like heroin when prescriptions become too difficult or expensive to get.
Physical and psychological symptoms also reveal the presence of opioid addiction. Individuals may appear drowsy, confused, or disoriented, and experience weight loss, poor hygiene, and frequent flu-like symptoms. As addiction progresses, withdrawal symptoms—such as muscle aches, nausea, sweating, anxiety, and insomnia—occur when the drug isn’t available, making it increasingly difficult to quit. Despite the negative impact on health, relationships, and overall quality of life, the individual continues using opioids, often feeling trapped in a cycle of dependence and unable to stop without help.
Overcoming opioid addiction is not a one-size-fits-all process. It involves a thorough and multi-layered approach that includes medical care, psychological therapy, and social support. Since addiction alters both brain chemistry and behavior, successful treatment must go beyond detoxing the body. It should also tackle the emotional, mental, and environmental factors that contribute to substance use.
Recovery doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a journey that requires patience, commitment, and the right support system. With a structured treatment plan, people struggling with opioid addiction can rebuild their lives and regain control.
Detoxification is often the first and most physically challenging phase of treatment. Withdrawal from opioids can bring intense symptoms like nausea, muscle aches, chills, anxiety, and powerful cravings. For many, attempting detox alone is dangerous and overwhelming. At Keys Behavioral Health, we offer detox placement services.
Medically Supervised Detox: Taking place in hospitals or specialized centers, these programs ensure patients are monitored and supported as they go through withdrawal. Medical staff may administer medications to ease symptoms and prevent complications.
Medication-Assisted Detox: Doctors may prescribe medications such as buprenorphine to lessen the intensity of withdrawal and make detox more manageable.
Tapering Off: Some individuals gradually reduce their opioid intake under medical guidance to minimize withdrawal discomfort and reduce shock to the body.
MAT is widely recognized as one of the most effective strategies for treating opioid addiction. It combines prescription medications with behavioral therapies to help individuals regain control.
Methadone: A long-acting opioid that satisfies the body’s cravings without producing the high, helping to ease withdrawal and reduce the risk of relapse.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol): This non-addictive medication blocks the effects of opioids, making drug use unrewarding and discouraging relapse.
Buprenorphine: Often used during and after detox, this medication reduces withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings.
MAT significantly lowers the chances of overdose and improves treatment retention, especially when combined with ongoing therapy and a supportive environment.
Therapy is an essential part of addiction treatment, helping individuals uncover the root causes of their opioid use and develop healthier coping strategies.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach helps patients identify and change harmful thought patterns that lead to drug use.
Contingency Management (CM): This strategy rewards positive behaviors like staying clean with incentives or privileges.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): Therapists use open, empathetic conversations to help individuals find internal motivation for change.
Family and Group Therapy: Addiction often damages relationships. Family sessions can help rebuild trust and improve communication, while group therapy fosters a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation.
Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling sessions provide a safe space to explore past trauma, mental health issues, and emotional challenges in a personalized way.
Since opioid addiction is a chronic illness, maintaining recovery requires ongoing effort and strategies to handle potential setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean failure—it simply indicates the need to revisit or adjust the treatment approach.
Support groups offer powerful reinforcement by connecting individuals with others who understand their struggles firsthand.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): A 12-step program focused on spiritual growth, self-responsibility, and community support.
Non-12-Step Options: Programs like SMART Recovery, and LifeRing offer science-based, secular alternatives.
Benefits of Peer Support: Sharing stories and strategies with others facing similar battles helps reduce isolation and keeps motivation high.
Long-term success depends on embracing a healthier lifestyle that nurtures both the body and mind.
Establishing a Routine: Structured days with regular meals, exercise, and sleep help maintain balance and stability.
Physical Wellness: Regular workouts release feel-good endorphins that boost mood, while proper nutrition supports brain and body repair.
Stress Management: Practices like meditation, journaling, yoga, or creative hobbies offer healthy ways to process emotions and avoid relapse.
Avoiding Triggers: Recognizing and staying away from people, places, or situations that spark cravings is crucial for sustained sobriety.
Opioid addiction is a challenging and multifaceted condition, but recovery is absolutely possible. Through a combination of medical treatments, therapeutic support, and lifestyle changes, individuals can break free from the grip of addiction and reclaim their lives. With patience, persistence, and the right help, the path to healing becomes not just a possibility, but a reality.
Here are just a handful of things you can expect to receive from our team:
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to get help. Contact us today for addiction treatment in Tewksbury, MA.
