ODYSSEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS
Healing Beyond the Surface
We are committed to guiding individuals toward long-term sobriety by treating the underlying causes of substance use disorders — not simply managing short-term symptoms.
Our structured, evidence-based approach fosters stability, resilience, and sustainable recovery.
Opioids
Opioids are a class of powerful pain-relieving drugs that include prescription medications such as OxyContin, morphine, and codeine, as well as illicit drugs like heroin. They are commonly prescribed for severe pain related to surgery, injury, or illnesses such as cancer. While effective when used short-term under medical supervision, opioids are highly addictive and can produce intense feelings of euphoria that lead to dependence.
Opioids may be misused by taking higher doses than prescribed, using someone else’s medication, or altering pills to snort, smoke, or inject—methods that significantly increase the risk of overdose.
How Opioid Addiction Develops
Opioids activate the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine, creating both pain relief and pleasure. Over time, the body builds tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. When opioid use stops, individuals often experience severe withdrawal symptoms, making continued use less about feeling good and more about avoiding withdrawal.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Abuse
Common signs include:
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Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities
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Drowsiness or slowed behavior
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Constricted pupils
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Slurred speech
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Weight changes
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Poor hygiene
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Needle marks from injection use
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
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Anxiety and agitation
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Muscle and bone pain
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Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
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Sweating and chills
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Insomnia
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Intense cravings
Risks of Opioid Abuse
Opioids slow breathing and heart rate. High doses—or mixing opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or sleep medications—can cause respiratory depression, overdose, brain damage, or death. Long-term opioid use has also been linked to lasting changes in brain function that affect judgment, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is serious but treatable with professional care. Effective recovery requires addressing both physical dependence and the underlying psychological factors that contribute to substance use.
At Athena Behavioral Health, opioid addiction treatment typically begins with medically supervised detox, followed by individualized therapy that may include medication-assisted treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and support for co-occurring mental health conditions. Our evidence-based and holistic approach is designed to stabilize the body, restore brain function, and support long-term recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use, Athena Behavioral Health is here to help. Call our 24/7 helpline to learn more about treatment options and take the first step toward recovery.
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