Often referred to as O bomb, blue heaven, pink lady, stop signs, Mrs. O, and new blues in the streets, Opana is a brand name version of oxymorphone, a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller used to treat severe pain. 

And similar to other opiate analgesics, Opana acts on the brain’s opioid receptors by stimulating the release of feel-good hormones, which dulls the feeling of pain. 

As a powerful narcotic, Opana has the ability to alter the brain’s function over time, especially when used for extended periods. 

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Opana addiction and ways the disorder can be treated before it gets out of hand. 

Signs and Symptoms of Opana Addiction

Anyone can become addicted to Opana. The best way to overcome dependence on the narcotic, however, is to kick start addiction treatment as early as possible. 

Below are some Opana abuse red flags: 

Increased tolerance: You’ll know that you’re developing a tolerance to Opana if you need to consume more of the drug to relieve pain or achieve the desired euphoria. 

Exaggerating pain: People in the early and advanced stages of Opana abuse will often exaggerate pain to get a doctor’s prescription. Be on the lookout if a loved one claims to be in constant pain despite clear signs of improvement. 

Suspicious behavior: Once Opana addiction creeps in, an individual becomes desperate to get the drugs, which can lead to uncharacteristic behavior such as borrowing prescriptions, faking chronic pain, and claiming to have lost prescriptions. 

Lack of progress: You should start to worry if a loved one’s condition worsens despite weeks or months of taking the drug. Addicted individuals begin to lose focus and neglect their priorities in favor of the drug. 

Mild to severe withdrawal symptoms: Another worrying sign of Opana abuse is physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms after Opana supply has run out. 

If you (or a loved one) exhibit symptoms like anxiety, watery eyes, restlessness, diarrhea, nausea, and fast heartbeat once the drug runs out, chances are the substance abuse has morphed into an addiction. 

Considering Opana is highly addictive, it is crucial to monitor your loved one’s drug intake.

 Other signs of Opana addiction that you need to be on the lookout for include: 

• Lightheadedness 
• Increased drowsiness 
• Slowed respiratory rate 
• Dizziness 
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea 
• Fainting 
• Constipation

Opana Addiction Treatment 

Detox

Before you start individual and group therapy with licensed counselors, you must first rid your body of Opana-related toxins through a process called detox. 

While home detox can work for some people, it is not recommended if you’ve been addicted to Opana for several months to years. 

For long-term substance addiction, a medical detox will work better as you’ll be monitored on a 24/7 basis until your body stabilizes. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment 

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the ways Opana addiction treatment can be administered. MAT is usually combined with therapy to boost the chances of successful outcomes. 

Here are the FDA-approved medications used in the treatment of opioid dependence: 

Methadone: Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist (usually taken orally) that works by curbing cravings and minimizing opioid withdrawal symptoms. 

Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid that functions as a partial agonist to eliminate or reduce withdrawal symptoms. 

Naltrexone: Naltrexone is a synthetic opioid agonist that blocks the euphoric effects of opioids. Vivitrol is naltrexone’s injectable, longer-acting version. 

Outpatient Treatment 

An outpatient addiction treatment program usually has three levels, the partial hospitalization program (PHP), the intensive outpatient program (IOP), and the normal inpatient program. 

The main advantage of attending an outpatient rehab is receiving addiction treatment from your home or aftercare residence. This allows you to proceed with school or work duties without uprooting your life. 

On most occasions, however, outpatient treatment works best as a step down from inpatient treatment, especially when dealing with chronic opioid addiction. 

An outpatient program will also work well when treating mild Opana dependence. However, you’ll need to enroll in a rehab facility that’s licensed to provide MAT to boost your chances of long-term recovery.   

Inpatient Treatment 

Enrolling in inpatient rehab is the best way to treat Opana addiction due to the intense care provided by medical practitioners. 

Unlike outpatient treatment where you’ll be exposed to various environmental triggers, an inpatient program allows you to recover in a secluded, highly regulated environment. 

In addition to access to 24/7 professional access, inpatient programs usually integrate a wide variety of behavioral and experiential therapies in their treatment programs. 

These therapies usually enhance the overall quality of treatment and, even more importantly, set up a great foundation for lifelong sobriety. 

A good inpatient program should have a solid aftercare plan and recommend credible support groups that will help you (or a loved one) maintain sobriety once done with treatment. 

Is Opana Addiction Treatment Necessary?

Opana addiction treatment is necessary if you don’t want the disorder to escalate to full-blown addiction. 

And since Opana is a prescription opioid, it can act as a gateway drug to easily available drugs like heroin once an addict cannot access a prescription. 

As a result, you should seek immediate medical assistance once you suspect a loved one is addicted to Opana. 

Contact a licensed rehab today to learn more about the suitable Opana addiction treatment program for you (or a loved one).