Our Blog

Anxiety and Mood Disorders Linked to Opioid Abuse

Anxiety and opioid abuse are linked, according to a study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It seems the link works two ways: researchers have found that those who suffer from anxiety and mood disorders are more likely to abuse opioids, and those who are given prescriptions for opioids, like Oxycontin, are more likely to become anxious or suffer from mood disorders after taking the prescription medications.

These two links can become a vicious cycle. Patients prescribed opioids for a purely medical reason may continue to take the medicine after the medically induced need disappears, this time to treat anxiety or mood disorders caused by the opioid. Additionally, patients with mental health needs could become hooked on an opioid prescribed to assist with anxiety or other disorders or opioids obtained on the black market.

Prescription drug abuse, particularly opioid use in America is on the rise. Opioids have become the second most-widely used illegal drugs in the United States, after marijuana. This new research could shed some light on why the drug has become so popular, since opioids can both cause and relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, and panic. This is a dangerous recipe for addiction.

While prescription drug abuse is on the rise, drug abuse treatment centers like the Vista Taos Renewal Center in New Mexico have been staying up-to-date on the newest research and treatment options. If you or a loved one suffer from prescription drug abuse, the best way to break the addiction is to attend a treatment center, where you can find the most current treatment options available. Let Vista Taos show you how to comfortably detox from opioids and learn to live your life without a dependency on prescription pain drugs. Vista Taos can also help patients with underlying reasons for addiction, such as mood disorders; the treatment process takes the entire person into consideration.

Share this post