Opioid Addiction Cycle – iwilltilirecover

The Cycle of Opioid Addiction

People start using opioids for many different reasons. Staying on opioids will hijack your brain. Once this happens, these 4 stages occur that will keep you using opioids.

Stage 1

Use

Taking opioids to escape the pain or the bad feelings and feeling high, feeling relaxed.

Stage 2

Withdrawal

Experiencing negative physical and emotional symptoms after ending opioid use.

Stage 3

Craving

An intense desire for more opioids so that you can experience pleasure or create the illusion of feeling normal. This can become an all-consuming experience.

Stage 4

Taking More Opioids

To eliminate experiencing negative physical and emotional symptoms after stopping opioids, you will take more opioids to satisfy cravings.

Breaking the Cycle

Opioid addiction is a chronic disease, but it is possible to stop using and make positive changes in your life.

To protect yourself or others who may be using, we recommend buying Naloxone and Fentanyl testing strips.

Treatment can help. Learn more about it and talk to one of our treatment providers.

You don’t have to manage opioid addiction on your own.

Don’t give up. Seek help.