Opioids are drugs administered to patients with chronic, post-surgical or oncological pain. The continuous consumption of these drugs can produce a physiological dependence that appears as tolerance to the drug, as well as a withdrawal syndrome that, if withdrawn abruptly, can lead to addiction.
In the last 20 years there has been a considerable increase in the prescription of opioid analgesics worldwide, especially in the United States, where opioids caused the death of 33,000 people in 2015, which is double the number of homicide victims.
In the case of Spain, according to the latest data from Infonova, out-of-hospital use reached 13.31 doses per 1000 inhabitants, which is double the consumption of 7 years ago.
Dr. Descals, psychiatrist and medical director of the clinic specializing in addictions Triora Alicante, comments that “the profile of the type of patient is 50 years and older, with chronic pain due to illnesses, to whom their doctor prescribes the opioid medication. As it is administered by the patient himself, there is a tendency to self-medicate, thus increasing the dose administered and running the risk of it becoming an addiction, since, for example, Fentanyl, one of the most common opiates, presents a risk of addiction 5 to 10 times greater than heroin”.
Prevention and treatment from different disciplines
Dr. Descals explains the importance of prevention in order to avoid reaching U.S. rates. To this end, he recommends following the guidelines established by the specialist who has prescribed the drugs; “When the patient begins to notice that he/she has a certain tolerance to the drug, he/she should go to his/her physician to inform him/her and that he/she should combine the treatment with other anti-inflammatory drugs and non-drug therapies”.
“Although the situation in Spain is not as alarming as in the United States, it is advisable to be alert to this situation,” says Dr. Descals, “properly administered and well prescribed by the medical specialist, it is a therapy that works, but chronic pain should not be treated only from the pharmacological perspective, but it is highly recommended to complement the treatment with other alternative therapies such as gentle physical exercise, yoga, swimming etc.”
The treatment at Triora Addictions
The Triora Addictions center specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with disorders related to the consumption of psychoactive substances, such as cocaine, cannabis, heroin, pills or alcohol, and with pathological behaviors such as addictions to new technologies (cell phones, internet and video games) and gambling (pathological gambling).
The Triora model consists of a comprehensive recovery program, which lasts between 8 and 12 weeks. It is centered on effective medical methods in addiction treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and treatment focused on working on body, mind and personal values.
The Triora model helps patients to:
- Develop self-awareness
- Understand their addiction problem
- Practice new patterns of behavior
- Become aware of risk factors for relapse
- Become familiar with self-help groups
The program is accompanied by individual and group therapies of up to 1 year’s duration and is complemented by a totally secure digital platform. Also, depending on the patient’s needs, it is possible to opt for an outpatient treatment to be performed in the clinic or through a videoconferencing platform.