Are Opiates the Most Addictive Drugs?

Opiates are a very addictive classification of chemical substances – however, this does not mean that every individual who uses an opiate will develop a physical and psychological dependency. In many cases, opiates are prescribed by medical professionals to treat pain-related disorders. Some examples of prescription opiates include oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, methadone, and morphine. In most cases these medications are prescribed to be taken short-term considering they are so habit-forming, and when taken exactly as prescribed they rarely cause issues. However, some individuals are prone to substance abuse and dependence for several reasons. Some of these reasons include:

• Genetic predisposition.
• Underlying, untreated mental health conditions.
• Environmental factors.
• Extremely high-stress levels.
• Chronic health issues (like chronic pain).

Prescription painkillers are not the only type of commonly abused opiate narcotic – heroin, a powerful illicit drug, is also very commonly abused. Individuals who use heroin more than once often fall victim to addiction. However, not everyone who experiments with heroin will develop an addiction. But because this illicit substance is so habit-forming there is a good chance that repeated use will develop into an addiction rather quickly.

Who Gets Addicted to Opiates?

How do the above-listed risk factors contribute to the development of opiate addiction? Those who have addiction in their immediate family are far more prone to developing an addiction themselves. Addiction is a hereditary condition, meaning that it is often passed down from generation to generation. Additionally, individuals who have been struggling with an untreated mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder are more likely to engage in self-medication. They might reach for chemical substances to combat the uncomfortable symptoms associated with their condition.

Do Some People Get Addicted But Not Others?

The environment also plays a major role in the development of substance abuse. If an individual grows up in an abusive household, for example, he or she might turn to alcohol to cope with the abuse. If an individual grows up in a poor neighborhood and is peer pressured into selling drugs at an early age, there is an increased likelihood that he or she will also experiment with these drugs at an early age. The environment in which an individual grows up– or develops in – has a lot to do with their behavioral patterns later on in life. Certain environments also lend themselves to high-stress levels, and stress increases the risk of substance abuse and dependence significantly. Finally, individuals who deal with chronic health issues, like chronic back pain or arthritis, are more likely to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.

It is important to note that opiate addiction is a progressive disease. Even if your symptoms are not severe and you have not experienced a wide range of related consequences, seeking help sooner rather than later is always the best option.

Opioid Rehab at Agape Treatment Center

Agape Treatment Center is one of Southern Florida’s premier addiction treatment centers, providing men and women of all ages with a comprehensive level of clinical care that cannot be found in any state-run facility. We provide a carefully developed program that was created by a team of professionals with combined decades of experience in the field of addiction recovery. We know how difficult it can be to suffer from opiate addiction, and there is a good chance that if you have previously attempted to quit on your own, you are unable to do so for an extended period. The psychological cravings associated with opiate addiction are almost impossible to overcome without professional assistance. At Agape Treatment Center, we utilize a wide range of proven techniques that help alleviate psychological cravings while teaching clients to overcome triggers and maintain sobriety long-term. For more information on our program of opiate addiction recovery, please feel free to give us a call today – we look forward to speaking with you and helping in any and every way we can.