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Signs of Opana Abuse

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bottle of opana pillsOpana, or oxymorphone, is a highly potent and extremely addictive painkiller prescribed to patients who struggle with severe pain. Though it is possible to take Opana for a period of time according to doctor’s orders without experiencing significant side effects, those who abuse the drug are at risk of a number of problems, including serious medical disorders, addiction and overdose.

Signs of Opana Abuse and Addiction

There are a number of different signs that your loved one is abusing Opana and may be in danger of experiencing overdose or well on his way to an ongoing addiction to the drug. These include:

  • Crushing Opana pills and snorting or swallowing the powder or attempting to dissolve the powder in water and inject the solution
  • Taking any amount of Opana in any form without a prescription from a doctor
  • Taking Opana in any way that is not prescribed by the doctor
  • Using other substances – including alcohol, marijuana, or other prescription pills – while taking Opana in order to augment its effects

Additionally, some people who abuse Opana will seek more of the drug by fraudulent means. They may attempt to fill a written script for the drug at multiple pharmacies, or they may go to a number of doctors and present the same symptoms in the hope of getting multiple prescriptions for Opana or other addictive opiate painkillers.

In recent years, these practices have been made more difficult by the institution of increasingly rigid legislation surrounding the prescription and use of addictive medications. However, some still try to circumvent these measures by going to the emergency room and asking for painkillers or by frequently claiming the loss of their pills and asking for an emergency script to replace them.

Risks of Opana Abuse

The ongoing abuse of Opana may be an occasional issue for your loved one, used for the purposes of recreation, but even occasional abuse of the drug can contribute to the experience of significant health problems. Overdose is always a concern, especially if the user also abuses other illicit substances, but the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also says that Opana abuse can contribute to the development of a blood clotting disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The clots that form due to this disease can contribute to:

Opana Abuse Treatment

Opana abuse can lead to life-changing health problems and potentially to an overdose that can be deadly. Because Opana is a narcotic painkiller, its abuse can be effectively addressed in a professional substance abuse treatment setting. Detox may be helpful in cases where withdrawal symptoms are an issue, but therapeutic intervention and treatment are key. Ongoing therapy and support empower the patient with coping skills that will increase his or her ability to avoid relapse and stay sober for the long-term.

Learn more about the options available to you or your loved one in opiate addiction treatment for Opana abuse when you contact us at Michael’s House today.

 

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