Overcome an Opioid Addiction

Also known as opioid use disorder, opioid addiction is described as the misuse of opioid drugs with the aim of getting high or evading withdrawal symptoms. It can result in a significant brain and body damage as well as affect day-to-day life – especially for a DOT safety-sensitive employee. Fortunately, different treatment options can help you gain control of the opioid addiction to live a life free of potent drugs.

Medications Used To Curb Opioid Addiction

Various medicines, including methadone and buprenorphine, are used to stabilize patients by easing the painful effects of withdrawal. They also help in staving off the overwhelming cravings that may lead to relapse. Naltrexone is another drug used to curb the addiction by blocking its effects. Nonetheless, experts recommend that these medicines should be combined with counseling, SAP programs (if applicable) and recovery meetings to boost your chances of recovery.

Quitting Without Medication

Some people deem medication-assisted therapies as simply a way of substituting one drug for another. However, individuals who choose to quit using opioid without medication may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These include nausea, runny nose and eyes, goosebumps, hot or cold flashes, insomnia, muscle aches and pains, anxiety, and more.

The Road to Recovery

Recovery from opioid addiction differs from one person to another, especially considering that relapse is common. According to the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapses may occur in 40% to 60% of patients being treated, and 50% to 70% of patients with hypertension and asthma. Thus, experiencing a relapse should not be viewed as a failure or an indication that you have ruined your chances of recovery. It is simply a sign that the therapy needs to be reformed or started again.

Get Help Today!

For some safety-sensitive DOT employees, opioid addiction is a difficult and daunting reality. However, overcoming your addiction should not be a challenge that you have to deal with alone. If you failed a DOT drug test due to opioid addiction, you’ll need to see a SAP and go through the return-to-duty process. To learn more about the return-to-duty process, or to enroll in our FastTrack Enrollment Program, click here.

source: Route to recovery: how people overcome an opioid addiction