How dependence can begin

People who become opioid dependent move along a path that can look like this:

1. Medical or recreational drug use
2. Relief of pain, with heightened feelings of pleasure
3. Repeated drug use
4. Changes in the brain
5. Cravings and symptoms of withdrawal when drug is absent
6. Inappropriate drug use to end withdrawal symptoms and/or to seek pleasure
7. Drug dependence

Opioid dependence is more than a physical condition. Emotions and behavior are also part of the picture—which is why counseling is such an important part of treatment.

When a person uses opioids, his or her brain gradually gets used to the drug and becomes less sensitive to it. As a result, he or she needs more of the drug to achieve the desired effects. This is called tolerance, and is part of being physically dependent.

People who are psychologically dependent may continue to use a drug despite serious negative effects on their lives. Psychological dependence can reach the point where people have uncontrollable cravings for the drug—and are willing to take significant risks to obtain it, regardless of the harmful consequences to themselves, their families, their jobs, or their community.

Think you may be opioid dependent? Talk with a doctor near you who is certified to treat opioid dependence.

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