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Drug dependency and addiction are two different things. But, in reality, it needs reassurance to establish the point. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and dependence are no exception either. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they only encourage misdiagnosis, stigma, and unfavorable side effects.
While substance dependence can be physical or psychological, addiction is a strictly neurological problem. For many of us, it is possible to be drug dependent without actually being addicted. Take caffeine, for example. Many complain of headaches if they skip their morning coffee, but that doesn’t mean they are addicted. But one will never feel the same way with gambling or porn addiction.
But then again, long-term drug dependence can also lead to addiction. And for most opioid users, this is the case. That’s why it’s vital to decode opioid use disorder and dependence to assess the symptoms better, avert risks, and find the right treatment.
Opioid Use Disorder vs. Dependence
Opioid dependence denotes the tolerance or withdrawal levels of an individual with a history of opioid use. Tolerance could be a two-way thing. A person may need a higher dose to produce a similar effect or draw less benefit from the same dose. In contrast, withdrawal refers to unwanted side effects that happen when you stop taking opioids, like nausea, diarrhea, and other problems.
On the other hand, opioid use disorder (OUD) suggests a specific pattern of opioid use leading to life problems and distress. The root cause remains opioid misuse. For anyone diagnosed with OUD, the drug becomes central to their thoughts, activities, and emotions. As a result, they succumb to constant cravings despite the ill effects.
OUD can affect anyone, irrespective of their age, sex, and socioeconomic level. People who misuse opioids may also switch to prescription drugs as it’s easier to get. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the potent signs of OUD include:
- Consuming huge amounts of opioids longer than the period prescribed
- Uncontrollable urge to take opioids
- Finding it challenging to complete daily responsibilities at school, work, or home
- Continuing opioid use despite physical or psychological problems
- Developing tolerance or experiencing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, pain, increased heart rate, sweating
The Stigma Around Opioid Use Disorder
The rise of OUD across the U.S. has been rather alarming. Reportedly, more than 80,000 deaths were reported in 2022 due to opioid overdose, the highest compared to any previous year. Still, OUD is subjected to various stigmas, which not only deteriorate mental health but also discourage a person from seeking help.
It’s only normal to feel lonely and helpless if your own community excludes you despite a recognized mental health condition. No wonder cases of hospitalizations and suicides are becoming common with people diagnosed with OUD. Internalized stigma is a significant precursor to such mishaps, lowering self-esteem and inducing feelings of shame or guilt.
Underuse of Available Treatment and Complications
Research shows how OUD medications, despite their efficacy, are significantly underused. CDC reports from 2022 show that 4% of adults in the U.S. needed OUD treatment. Among them, only 25% actually received the recommended medications.
The group that needed to be treated the most were those who either didn’t attend college or were unemployed. Interestingly, the demand for OUD treatment increased with the poverty level. It was remarkably lowest with people with an income ≥200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Adults who needed OUD treatment were found to be either mentally ill, using illicit drugs besides opioids, or were diagnosed with non-opioid Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Most people fail to understand that recovery is always a possibility with OUD. Also, the treatment is never a one-way approach. It’s a combination of medications, behavioral modification, and mental support. Together, it can help manage the symptoms and avoid recurrence.
Among the commonly prescribed OUD medicines are buprenorphine and naloxone. Commonly sold under the brand name Suboxone, this combination drug is known to prevent OUD-related complications like hepatitis. People taking Suboxone have reportedly shown improved behavior and quality of life.
In recent times, though, Suboxone has been the center of criticism as many patients moved to the court claiming compensation for its side effects. The Suboxone lawsuit claims that both doctors and patients were never made aware that taking Suboxone strips can lead to significant tooth decay.
Things came to light after the FDA’s warning about dental problems arising from mouth-dissolving buprenorphine. Soon after, the drug makers added the warning label to the packaging.
According to TorHoerman Law, dental injuries like tooth decay can be a significant blow to an individual. They affect not only their physical health but also their self-esteem. With solid evidence in hand, anyone experiencing side effects of Suboxone is eligible for fair compensation. Possible grounds include pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and physical and emotional damage.
How To Be the Perfect Caregiver to Someone Suffering From OUD?
There’s not much one can do to fight off the stigma against OUD. But if you genuinely want a loved one to recover faster, here are a few practical caregiver tips.
- Always give them ample emotional support. This can boost their emotions and divert their attention from opioids.
- If you’re caring for an OUD patient 24/7, it’s recommended to carry Naloxone. It’s a life-saving drug that can quickly reverse opioid overdoses, like heroin or fentanyl. It’s also portable and doesn’t require any formal medical training to be administered.
- Choose your words carefully around an OUD patient. The treatment providers often use recovery dialects, which means they reclaim stigmatizing labels for private use. OUD support group members may call themselves “addicts” because they know they all feel the same. But as a caregiver, you shouldn’t do so. Instead, say, “You’re in recovery”.
Remember that OUD is just another medical condition. It should never be considered a character flaw. With a little bit of love and care, good things are always waiting to happen!
