Opioids are prescription medications used to manage pain. For some people, opioids also create a sense of euphoria and well-being that makes them want to misuse the drugs by taking more than prescribed or continuing use after the prescription ends. The result can be opioid addiction. At Red Ribbon Recovery’s addiction treatment center, we provide a variety of treatment options for addiction to opioids or non-prescription substitutes. Our treatment programs provide evidence-based care with compassion to help you reach lasting recovery.
What are opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs used to relieve pain, and the term includes both natural and synthetic substances derived from compounds found in the opium poppy. The word “opiate” refers specifically to naturally occurring substances like morphine and codeine, while “opioid” is the broader term that includes synthetic versions such as fentanyl and oxycodone. Whether natural or man-made, all opioids affect the brain’s pain and reward systems—and all carry a risk of dependence, misuse, and overdose.
Doctors often prescribe opioids to manage moderate to severe pain following surgery, injury, or certain medical procedures. They’re also sometimes used to treat chronic pain, though research shows that long-term use may not be effective and often comes with serious risks, including addiction.
Some of the most commonly prescribed or recognized opioids include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Diacetylmorphine
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Oxymorphone
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Methadone
- Fentanyl (Sublimaze, Actiq)
- Tramadol
- Isotonitazene
- Opium
Heroin, while not prescribed legally, is also an opioid. It’s often used as a cheaper and more accessible alternative to prescription painkillers, which increases the risk of overdose—especially when it’s mixed with other substances.
Whether legally prescribed or sold illegally, opioids are highly addictive and can be dangerous when misused. Combining them with alcohol, cocaine, or other substances can produce unpredictable and sometimes deadly effects.
How does opioid use turn into addiction?
Opioids include a wide range of drugs, from prescription pain medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone to stronger synthetic options like fentanyl and illegal drugs such as heroin. These substances affect how the brain and body respond to pain—but they also have powerful effects on the brain’s reward system.
When opioids enter the bloodstream, they attach to specific receptors in the brain. These receptors are involved in how we experience pain and pleasure. Once activated, they block pain signals and trigger the release of dopamine—a chemical that produces feelings of comfort and satisfaction. This is the same response the brain has to things like eating, drinking water, or connecting with others. With opioids, however, the dopamine release is much stronger.
As use continues, the brain starts to adjust by producing less dopamine on its own. Over time, a person may need higher amounts of the drug just to feel normal. This is called tolerance. Along with that comes physical dependence, where the body reacts with withdrawal symptoms if the drug is reduced or stopped. These symptoms can include anxiety, restlessness, nausea, and severe discomfort.
Addiction happens when a person continues using opioids even though it’s causing harm in their life. This goes beyond physical symptoms—it includes cravings, emotional attachment to the drug, and difficulty functioning without it. Some people begin with a prescription after surgery or injury and slowly find themselves relying on it more and more. Others may try an opioid recreationally, not realizing how quickly it can lead to dependence.
The combination of physical and psychological dependence makes opioid addiction hard to manage without help. As tolerance increases and natural dopamine levels drop, the drug becomes something the brain feels it needs just to get through the day.
Risk factors for developing opioid addiction
While there isn’t a single thing that causes an addiction, there are several factors that can make you more susceptible to it. These include:
- A family history of substance use disorders or addictive behavior
- Childhood trauma
- Early exposure to alcohol or drug abuse
- Mental health disorders
- Peer pressure or normalization of drug use in your community
- Chronic pain that requires long-term management
- Previous addiction disorders
These factors don’t mean that you will automatically develop opioid use disorder, but they are red flags letting you know you should consider other treatment options and use opioids only as a last resort.
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Signs of opioid addiction
What are the signs that you might be struggling with addiction and need to seek out an opioid rehab program? The criteria for diagnosis comes from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and include:
- Taking opioids in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from opioids
- Wanting to cut down or stop opioid abuse but not being able to
- Not fulfilling responsibilities at home, school, or work because of opioid misuse
- Needing more and more opioids to get the same effect
- Continuing to use, even if it causes problems in relationships or puts you in danger
- Giving up important activities because of opioid use
- Continuing to use opioids even when they make psychological or physical problems worse
- Having withdrawal symptoms when you try to cut back or stop using opioids
One common misconception is that drug abuse is a moral failing or something you could get over if you just tried hard enough. That’s not true — it’s a physical and psychological condition caused by actual changes to your brain chemistry. At our opioid rehab, we understand that addiction is a disease and provide judgment-free substance abuse treatment. Whether you need inpatient treatment or outpatient care, the team at our treatment center is here to help.
Side effects of opioid addiction
Misusing opioids—whether they’re prescribed or obtained illegally—can lead to a wide range of serious health issues. One of the most severe outcomes is opioid use disorder, a condition marked by physical dependence, cravings, and the inability to stop using despite the harm it causes. Misuse can also result in respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops altogether, increasing the risk of a life-threatening overdose.
Health complications from opioid use extend well beyond overdose risk. People who inject opioids face higher chances of developing abscesses, vein damage, and infections such as HIV and hepatitis B or C, especially when needles are shared. These viruses are transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids and can have lifelong consequences.
But even those who don’t inject aren’t safe from harm. Snorting or smoking opioids can damage the nasal passages and lungs, sometimes leading to chronic respiratory conditions. Opioid use during pregnancy poses additional risks, including neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), where newborns go through withdrawal after birth.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists the following health impacts of opioid addiction:
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache and dizziness
- Sleep problems
- Slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Heart failure and cardiac arrest
- Damage to the immune system
- Mental disorders like depression and anxiety
Mixing opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other substances further increases the risk of dangerous side effects, overdose, and death. Getting the right treatment can make a real difference. An opioid addiction treatment program can help reduce health risks, connect individuals with appropriate medical care, and support long-term recovery from both addiction and its physical effects.
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Treatment for opioid addiction
Recovering from opioid addiction is complex and often requires more than just willpower. These substances—whether prescription painkillers, heroin, or synthetic opioids like fentanyl—can cause powerful physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms are often intense, and the risk of relapse is high, particularly in the early stages of recovery. Because of this, many treatment providers use a multi-layered approach that combines medical support, therapy, and ongoing care.
Medical detox
The first step in overcoming opioid addiction for many people is medical detox, which focuses on safely managing withdrawal symptoms as the body clears the drug from its system. Medications like Suboxone (a mix of buprenorphine and naloxone) are often used to reduce cravings and ease discomfort. For some, an extended-release injection of Vivitrol (naltrexone) may be recommended after detox to help prevent relapse by blocking the effects of opioids.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, detoxing from opioids can cause general pain, chills, diarrhea, anxiety, restlessness, and other symptoms. Having medical care to work through these concerns can make it much easier to begin opioid addiction treatment.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment involves the use of FDA-approved medications to help you manage or avoid withdrawal issues. These medications can also help you manage opioid cravings and avoid relapse.
Unfortunately, relapsing on opioids can result in an overdose. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), signs of an opioid overdose include being pale and clammy, the body being limp, purple or blue lips, slow breathing, and not being able to be awakened.
Along with medication, MAT generally includes individual and group therapy to help you establish long-term recovery. These sessions can happen in person at the treatment facility or may be available via telehealth.
Medication-assisted treatment is one of the most effective treatment options for opioid addiction, and it’s important to work with credentialed medical providers specializing in MAT because they follow strict guidelines to ensure your safety. Our opioid rehab team has the experience necessary to provide effective treatment programs.
Residential treatment
After detox, many individuals benefit from inpatient treatment, where they live at a facility and receive 24/7 care. These residential programs offer structure, supervision, and daily support through individual and group therapy, medical monitoring, and recovery education. Inpatient care is especially helpful for those with a long history of substance use, co-occurring mental health conditions, or past relapses.
Outpatient treatment
For those who don’t need round-the-clock supervision, or who are transitioning out of inpatient care, outpatient programs offer more flexibility. These may include intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) or partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), which allow individuals to attend therapy and support sessions during the day while living at home or in a sober living environment. Outpatient care still provides access to counseling, medication management, and relapse prevention planning but is suited for those with a stable home life and lower risk of acute withdrawal.
Whether through detox, residential care, outpatient treatment, or long-term medication support, the goal of opioid addiction treatment is the same: to help individuals regain control, reduce the risk of relapse, and build a sustainable life in recovery.
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Consequences of an opioid overdose
An opioid overdose happens when the drug overwhelms the nervous system and interferes with the body’s ability to breathe. Without immediate help, this can quickly turn fatal. Common signs of an overdose include:
- Very small or “pinpoint” pupils
- Unconsciousness or inability to stay awake
- Breathing that is slow, shallow, or has stopped
- Gurgling or choking noises
- Cold, pale, or bluish skin
- Limpness or unresponsiveness
The risk of overdose increases sharply when opioids are used with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. These combinations can slow breathing to dangerous levels and may lead to long-term brain damage or death.
If you think someone may be overdosing, call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency help:
- Administer naloxone (Narcan, Kloxxado, or RiVive) if you have access to it.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
- Turn them on their side to reduce the chance of choking.
- Stay with them until medical professionals arrive.
Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore normal breathing. Still, it’s not a substitute for emergency care. Even if the person appears to recover, they still need to be evaluated by medical professionals right away.
Get the care you need at our opioid rehab
When you’re looking for a high-quality addiction treatment center, the process can feel overwhelming. Our team at Red Ribbon Recovery understands how you feel. Our opioid addiction treatment program is designed to give you the support and care you need to break free from substance use for good. Our comprehensive recovery framework can address mental and physical health concerns and provides you with multiple opioid rehab options. Whether you’re interested in MAT or more traditional addiction treatment, we’re here to help. To get started, contact us today.
We are here to help you or a loved one find addiction treatment near you.
Admitting you have a substance abuse problem and asking for help is not always easy. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction or another substance use disorder, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (317) 707 9848 to learn about resources in your area or reach out to our team for personalized treatment.
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Sources
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- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Prescription Opioids DrugFacts.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. HHS Publication No. PEP23-07-01-006, NSDUH Series H-58.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Fentanyl.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Drug Overdose Death Rates.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction.
About the content
Written by: Carli Simmonds. Carli Simmonds holds a Master of Arts in Community Health Psychology from Northeastern University. From a young age, she witnessed the challenges her community faced with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges, inspiring her dedication to the field.
Medical reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, LICSW. Jodi Tarantino is an experienced, licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Program Director with over 20 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare. Also reviewed by the RRR Editorial team.
Red Ribbon Recovery is committed to delivering transparent, up-to-date, and medically accurate information. All content is carefully written and reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure clarity and reliability. During the editorial and medical review process, our team fact-checks information using reputable sources. Our goal is to create content that is informative, easy to understand and helpful to our visitors.
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