Opioid Use Disorder Clinical Trials

Opioids are natural or synthetic chemicals that interact with opioid receptors on the nerve cells in the body and brain, and reduce feelings of pain. They are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers, synthetic opioids and heroin.

 

Abruptly stopping use of opioids can lead to severe symptoms including generalized pain, chills, cramps, diarrhea, dilated pupils, restlessness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and very intense cravings. Because these symptoms are severe it creates significant motivation to continue using opioids to prevent withdrawal.

 

Opioid Use Disorder Clinical trials, like those at CNS Healthcare, can help you explore new treatment options. Interested in trying a new Opioid Use Disorder treatment at no cost? Find out more about enrolling Opioid Use Disorder clinical trials available by selecting one of the below locations near you. Use the form on the page to schedule a free, in-office consultation to find out if an Opioid Use Disorder trial is right for you.

Find A Currently Enrolling Opioid Use Disorder Clinical Trial Near You:

Downtown Orlando, FL

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More About Opioid Use Disorder

Anyone who takes opioids is at risk of developing addiction. Your personal history and the length of time you use opioids play a role, but it’s impossible to predict who’s vulnerable to eventual dependence on and abuse of these drugs. Opioids are highly addictive, in large part because they activate powerful reward centers in your brain.

 

Opioids trigger the release of endorphins, your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. Endorphins muffle your perception of pain and boost feelings of pleasure, creating a temporary but powerful sense of well-being. When an opioid dose wears off, you may find yourself wanting those good feelings back, as soon as possible. This is the first milestone on the path toward potential addiction.

Signs & Symptoms

Opioids produce high levels of positive reinforcement, increasing the odds that people will continue using them despite negative resulting consequences. Opioid use disorder is a chronic lifelong disorder, with serious potential consequences including disability, relapses, and death. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition describes opioid use disorder as a problematic pattern of opioid use leading to problems or distress, with at least two of the following occurring within a 12-month period:

 

• Taking larger amounts or taking drugs over a longer period than intended.
• Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use.
• Spending a great deal of time obtaining or using the opioid or recovering from its effects.
• Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use opioids.
• Problems fulfilling obligations at work, school or home.
• Continued opioid use despite having recurring social or interpersonal problems.
• Giving up or reducing activities because of opioid use.
• Using opioids in physically hazardous situations.
• Continued opioid use despite ongoing physical or psychological problem likely to have been caused or worsened by opioids.
• Tolerance (i.e., need for increased amounts or diminished effect with continued use of the same amount)
• Experiencing withdrawal (opioid withdrawal syndrome) or taking opioids (or a closely related substance) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.