Why Do I Use Opioids So Often?

Do you often take opioids in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended?

Do you experience a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use?

Do you spend a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain the opioid, use the opioid, or recover from its effects?

Do you experience craving, or a strong desire or urge to use opioids?

Does the recurrent opioid use result in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home?

Do you continue using opioid despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of opioids?

Are you giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of opioid use?

Do you recurrently use opioid in situations in which it is physically hazardous?

Do you continue using opioid despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance?

Do you experience a need for markedly increased amounts of opioids to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or do you experience a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of an opioid?

Did you cease or reduce opioid use that has been heavy and prolonged, or did you take an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use, and did you experience three different symptoms such as dysphoric mood, nausea/vomiting, or muscle aches? Or do you take opioids to relieve/avoid withdrawal symptoms?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a significant problem with opioid use. Opioids are used as pain relievers, but they can also cause constipation, nausea, confusion, and euphoria. At high doses they can depress respiration. Besides, opioids can lead to dependence within a short period of time. If you would like to know more about this type of drugs, it may be important to talk with your doctor.

While it is unlikely that you are struggling with an opioid use disorder, you are displaying a sign related to it. Opioids reduce the perception of pain, but they can also cause confusion, nausea, and constipation. Besides, they can cause euphoria, and at high doses they can lead to difficulties breathing. It is very easy to get opioids, and because withdrawal symptoms are severe, people continue using them. Opioid use disorder is a lifelong condition with serious consequences such as disability, relapses, and in severe cases death. It may be important to talk to your doctor if you frequently take opioids. You may not need any treatment, but your doctor can give you useful advises to stop using the drug.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have opioid use disorder. It is crucial to seek medical attention. A diagnosis is made when someone shows a problematic pattern of opioid use that affects the person’s life. Opioids can lead to physical dependence in a very short period. When someone uses opioids chronically, stopping the use of it may lead to severe symptoms, such as anxiety, cramps, and generalized pain. Because these symptoms are very disturbing, users continue using the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Treatments may help, including medication-assisted treatment in which a person takes medication along with behavioral therapy.