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Longitudinal research has shown that the factors that contribute to opioid abuse among individuals begins with a cycle of addictive behavior from an early age. The repeated self-administration of an opioid drug over an extended period of time results in the development of tolerance, compulsive drug taking behavior, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation of use. The majority of individuals that become addicted to opioids develop a physiological dependence that gradually escalates as the body builds a tolerance to the physical effects of the drug. Once a pattern of physical dependence is firmly established the addicted person enters repeated cycles of abstinence and relapse that can continue throughout his or her lifespan. This pattern of dependence leaves behind a wake of physical deterioration, social isolation, financial ruin and often severe legal consequences resulting from criminal behavior. The Consensus panel at the National Institute of Health indicates that opiate dependence stems from a physiological medical disorder in the human brain that causes the addicted individual to crave and continue to use the substance despite the risk of significant physical or psychological harm. There is consistent evidence that medical treatment can be utilized to effectively manage this disorder and that treatment can provide substantial positive benefits to the addicted patient and society. Health care providers in the United States agree that although the factors that contribute to opiate dependency are poorly understood, one thing is certain: once physical dependence on opioids develop, it can constitute a medical disorder that requires treatment intervention. The greatest challenge that patients face is not achieving abstinence, but maintaining it. Medication Assisted Treatment in conjunction with medical monitoring and substance abuse counseling can do a great deal to alter the destructive course of opioid dependence and help prolong periods of abstinence from illicit drug use in addicted patients. |
