Opioid Dependence

New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine Our Services Opioid Dependence

New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine

Pain Management & Sports Medicine located in Wesley Chapel, FL

Opioid use disorder affects more than 20 million people around the world and over 3 million people in the United States. If you struggle with opioid dependence, turn to New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Jose De La Torre, MD, offers highly effective treatments for opioid dependence and alternative pain management options to avoid opioid use. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is opioid dependence?

Opioid dependence is an addiction to prescription opioid medications or illicit opioid drugs. It’s a mental health concern resulting from brain chemical changes after using opioids—like oxycodone, codeine, morphine, oxymorphone, fentanyl, or heroin. 

Up to 19% of people taking prescription opioid medicines develop opioid use disorder. Treatment at New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine can help you break this addictive habit once and for all while finding pain relief with other non-addictive methods.

What are the symptoms of opioid dependence?

Opioid dependence is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Strong desire to use opioids
  • Taking larger and larger doses of opioids
  • Inability to stop using opioids
  • Continued use of opioids despite financial, social, health, or work-related problems
  • Needing increasing opioid doses to experience the same effects
  • Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using opiates

Opioids become an addiction in some people because these drugs can dull pain and produce a sense of euphoria. They are linked to more than 120,000 deaths each year globally. 

Examples of withdrawal symptoms that can develop when stopping opioid use include pain, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, agitation, intense cravings, and sweating. You might also experience insomnia, pupil dilation, an elevated heart rate, or high blood pressure. 

Can chronic pain lead to opioid dependence?

Opioid dependence may occur after being prescribed opioids for pain management because of an acute or chronic condition. 

Opioids are highly addictive, as they activate reward centers in the brain and trigger endorphin release. They can cause dependence in as little as 4-8 weeks of use. 

How is opioid dependence treated?

New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine offers an opioid dependency program that combines Suboxone® medication with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of counseling to help you taper off opioids and break free from dependency. 

Suboxone reduces opioid cravings and suppresses withdrawal symptoms, allowing you to focus on things you enjoy and restore your quality of life. 

What is available for pain management besides opioids?

Non-opioid pain management solutions available at New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine include:

  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
  • Bracing, casting, splinting, walking boot, or crutches
  • Physical therapy
  • Massage therapy
  • CBD oil
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Epidural injections
  • Joint injections
  • Fluoroscopic-guided spinal injections
  • Ketamine infusion clinic
  • Nerve blocks
  • Trigger point injections
  • Botox® injections
  • Radiofrequency nerve ablation
  • Spinal cord stimulation
  • Kyphoplasty procedure

Talk with Dr. De La Torre to determine which is right for you.

Schedule an opioid dependence evaluation at New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.