Opioid - Indiana Center for Recovery

What are Opioids?

Opioids are drugs that relieve pain by binding to receptors in the nervous system. In addition to blocking pain, they trigger the brain’s reward system, producing intense feelings of euphoria.

Over time, repeated opioid use can alter the brain’s chemistry, leading to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) — a medical condition where the body and brain become dependent on opioids to feel normal and function.

Common opioids include:

Prescription painkillers: Oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, tramadol
Heroin: An illegal opioid, usually injected or smoked
Fentanyl: A synthetic opioid up to 50x stronger than heroin; often mixed into street pills without warning

Why Opioids Are So Addictive

Prolonged opioid use disrupts the brain’s natural balance of dopamine and stress hormones. When the drug is suddenly removed, the body goes into a state of chemical imbalance, triggering intense physical discomfort and psychological distress, including:

Severe muscle aches and cramps
Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress
Chills, sweating, and flu-like symptoms
Fatigue and insomnia
Heightened anxiety and restlessness
Intense cravings for opioids

The body has intense cravings for opioids to stop this extreme sickness.

Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction

Medical treatment can ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce the risk of relapse, and make the early stages of recovery more manageable and safe.

Medical treatment can ease these symptoms, reduce the risk of relapse, and make the early stages of recovery more manageable and safe. Effective opioid treatment goes beyond stopping drug use — it addresses the physical, mental, and emotional roots of addiction.

Through treatment often includes:

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is one of the most effective tools for treating opioid addiction. Medications can reduce cravings, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and when combined with counseling and behavioral support, support long-term recovery.

FDA-Approved Options

Buprenorphine (Suboxone): Reduces cravings and withdrawal without causing a full high. Can be started 12–24 hours after last use and used for as long as needed.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol): If you use opioids while on it, you won’t feel any effects. Given as a monthly shot after full detox. Non-habbit forming with major side effects, but must be fully out of withdrawal.
Methadone: Stops withdrawal and cravings for people with severe addiction. Only given at an OTP clinic, recommended commitment of a year or more.

Mental Health & Dual Diagnosis Medications

While not designed to treat OUD directly, medications such as SSRIs (e.g., Sertraline/Zoloft), Bupropion (Wellbutrin), and Buspirone (BuSpar) play a vital role in managing co-occurring depression, anxiety, and trauma—common triggers for relapse.

Immediate Help for Opioids

Indiana Center for Recovery

Call (844) 650-0064

24/7 support for opioid-related crises, questions, or treatment options.
Same-day admissions available.
Comprehensive care for opioid addiction in one place—including detox, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), inpatient treatment, and outpatient programs.
Transportation provided, so you don’t have to drive while in withdrawal or distress.

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Help for those with Medicare or without insurance.

Overdose Lifeline – Indiana Naloxone Map

Overdose Lifeline’s map shows NaloxBox kiosks, vending machines, and distribution sites across Indiana. Naloxone (Narcan) is a fast-acting medication that reverses opioid overdoses and restores breathing.

Learn More About Overdose Lifeline

Read Opioid Articles

Our medically reviewed articles explain the science behind opioid use disorder, break down treatment options like MAT and detox, and offer real-world strategies for harm reduction, family support, and long-term recovery.