Opioid dependence or overuse has become a huge public health concern. In fact, it is believed that the opioid drug epidemic is one of the most lethal problems in the entire US history. Amongst all the different people dependent on opioids, those with mental health conditions suffer the most.

However, it is also worth noting that people suffering from opioid use disorder eventually increase their risk for mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety. If studies are to be believed, then anxiety is one of the major disorders almost a quarter of opioid-dependent people suffer from. The lifetime comorbidity rates of psychiatric diagnoses then become twice that.

In this article, we will share some valuable insights on how to determine whether or not someone is suffering from comorbid disorders and how to help people who suffer from both mental disorders and OUD or opioid use disorder.

But, let’s brush our basics by understanding –

What are opioids?

Opioids include both illicit drugs like heroin, carfentanil (fentanyl analogs), etc., and prescription pain medications such as methadone, morphine, oxycodone, buprenorphine, hydromorphone, and fentanyl.

The main reason why opioids are suggested for pain relief is that they bind to the opioid receptors in our brain. This, in turn, reduces the sensation of pain. However, the side effects may include sedation, slow breathing, and constipation.

Moreover, opioids are highly addictive—consumption results in short euphoria along with relief of negative mood and even anxiety.

However, when opioids are consumed on a daily basis without a proper prescription, the result can be opioid dependence. Stopping the consumption only leads to withdrawal symptoms, which can be very severe.

What is an OUD or opioid use disorder?

Opioid use disorder is a clinical term used to describe problematic and unregulated use of opioids. Since opioids have the ability to heighten both anxiety and depression, OUD is linked with causing mental health problems. In fact, diagnosis of mental health issues can intensify the onset of OUD.

Hence, it is important that you seek professional assistance if you or a loved one has both OUD and a psychiatric disorder or both. If the issue isn’t handled at the right time, then that could result in a challenging recovery process.

What are the causes of OUD?

Typically, people increase the use of opioids due to the onset of euphoria and relief from unpleasant emotions they experience during the initial use. However, when the frequency of use is escalated significantly, there is an increased risk of developing an addiction. Scientifically, the addiction is a result of neurobiological and psychological changes induced due to the use of opioids.

With the regular use of opioids, there is a significant change in tolerance. This means your opioid receptors become less sensitive. This also means you will slowly increase your intake of opioids to achieve the same effects.

Once the person is completely opioid-dependent, he/she ends up experiencing withdrawal symptoms immediately after missing just one dose. The uncomfortable symptoms can include anything from low mood, anxiety, and even depression. Simultaneously, the person starts experiencing intense cravings and loses control over the usage.

Irrespective of which opioid you start taking, you will always be at a high risk of developing OUD down the line. It is believed that 5% of those who depend upon unregulated opioid use transition to heroin. Similarly, 10% of people who depend upon opioids for chronic pain tend to develop opioid use disorder at some point in their life.

What are the signs of OUD?

Since opioid dependence is a clinical diagnosis, you or your loved one addicted to opioids must meet at least two of the 11 criteria within the previous year, such as –

• Being invested in searching for the drugs to use or wanting to recover from the use.

• Continuing the usage of opioids even after facing negative consequences both socially and physically.

• Craving the drugs continuously.

• Unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce the use of the drug.

• High tolerance to opioids and onset of withdrawal symptoms.

What are some common signs of an opioid issue?

• Wearing long-sleeved clothes to hide the injection marks on the arms.

• Avoiding social gatherings with friends and family.

• Meeting with multiple treatment providers.

• Poor performance at work or school.

Common signs of opioid withdrawal include –

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Pupil dilation

• Irritability

• Sweating profusely

Available treatments for mental health issues and opioid dependence

The best way to recover from OUD or opioid dependence is by seeking proper treatment for both underlying mental health issues and OUD from the beginning of the treatment.

OUD can be best treated by combining a few medications, such as methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine, along with professional counseling. Other additional aspects may include intensive outpatient or residential treatment along with twelve-step meeting attendance.

You must note that all mental health problems, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, need to be treated in a different manner using a suitable evidence-based treatment method. But, there are various therapeutic modalities that are worth mentioning for their effects across diagnoses.

1. Exposure therapy

This therapy is quite effective for people suffering from phobias and PTSD.

2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

In combination with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin reuptake inhibitors can help in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

3. Cognitive behavior therapy

This therapy is used to determine maladaptive thoughts so they can be replaced effectively. Cognitive behavior therapy can help with enhancing mood and elevating chronic depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

4. Dialectical behavior therapy

This therapy’s main aim is to enhance the mindfulness and emotional regulation of people suffering from suicidal thoughts and self-harm along with opioid dependence. In short, dialectical behavior therapy works well with comorbid disorders.

Signing off

We hope this blog was able to navigate you through the complex relationship between opioid dependence and mental health concerns.

If you know someone who may benefit from a reliable therapy for their comorbid disorders, then look no further than NuLease Medical Solutions. Their comprehensive clinic is capable of treating drug addiction and opioid dependence in a comfortable, modern, and private setting.