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Opioid Use Disorders

There are many substances known as an opioid, several of which are commonly prescribed medications and go by various names. Below is a list of the most common opioid medications with their generic and brand names.
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
  • Oxymorphone (Opana, Numorphan, Numorphone)
  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl
  • Morphine (Kadian, Avinza)
  • Methadone
Although heroin is an opioid, it is not a medication. Any of these opioids can be abused, leading to increased tolerance (a need for a higher dose of opioids to achieve the desired effect or diminished effect with the same amount of an opioid) or withdrawal symptoms when opioid use is discontinued.

An Individual May Be Diagnosed With an Opioid Use Disorder if 2 or More of the Following Criteria Exist:

  • Frequently taking opioids in larger amounts or for longer durations than intended.
  • Showing persistent desire and unsuccessful efforts to reduce or control opioid usage.
  • Spending much time on activities that are necessary to obtain an opioid, use it, or recover from its effects.
  • Displaying an intense desire or craving to use opioids.
  • Failing to fulfill major roles or obligations at work, school, or home because of frequent opioid use.
  • Continuously using opioids despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of opioids.
  • Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of opioid use.
  • Frequently using opioids in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
  • Continuously using opioids despite being aware of persistent or recurrent physical or psychological issues caused or exacerbated by opioids.
  • Showing signs of opioid tolerance.
  • Displaying withdrawal symptoms.

Success Story

This is the story of a 51-year-old woman’s journey to recovery from addiction. She started drinking alcohol at age 17, and for the next 34 years, her substance use included drugs such as cocaine/crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methadone, and benzodiazepine. She described her life during those years as being incarcerated, isolated, neglected, hopeless, homeless, and incapable of taking care of herself.
Her admission to our program gave her the time and opportunity to consider finding a new way to live without suffering from withdrawal. She remained in our medication-assisted treatment program for over three years.
After six months of being drug-free, she was able to return to school. She graduated with an associate degree in business, associate and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. Now, she works to help other people overcome their addictions. After completing her education, she worked as a therapist for five years and is currently a drug and alcohol counselor.
“As a drug and alcohol counselor celebrating 14 years of recovery, I enjoy giving others that same opportunity to change their lives along with finding a new way to live.”