Opioid Related Disorders refer to physical and mental health conditions associated with the use of opioids. Opioids make up the class of prescription medicines and illegal drugs that are used for pain relief. The pain relief affect is achieved through binding the opioid receptors in human nervous system, thus, lowering the level of perceived pain. Apart from this effect, opioids also stimulate endorphin release which causes one to experience feelings of calm and pleasure, also known as “high”. Combined, these two effects make opioids highly addictive. Thus, opioid related disorders refer to two conditions: opioid abuse/addiction and opioid withdrawal.

Opioid addiction is condition under which person depends on having a regular dose of a drug in order to be able to function normally. Addiction may develop during taking the prescribed pain medication or using opioids for recreational purposes. Symptoms of opiod addiction/abuse include: opioids are taken in higher doses and for a longer period of time than initially planned, being unable to cut down the dose, significant amount of time is spent for obtaining, taking, and recovering from these drugs, having cravings to use opioids, use of medication affects person’s handling of regular responsibilities, recurrent inter-personal problems, giving up important activities in order to be able to use opioids, developing tolerance to opioids. If a person has been experiencing at least two of these symptoms within twelve month, they are considered to have Opioid Use Disorder.

Quitting using opioids is not easy even if their use is associated with recurring difficulties in one’s life. This is due to the fact that whenever an addicted person skips the usual dose, they experience strong withdrawal symptoms that urge one to go back to the drug. The withdrawal symptoms include: increased heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, shivering, tremors, body aches, sweating, runny nose, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting. These effects are difficult to handle on one’s own. Thus, ending opioid addiction recquires getting professional help. Effective treatments usually include a combination of psychotherapy like Cognitive Behavior Therapy and medications to replace the drug.

Opioid Use Disorder has negative impact not just on addicted individual but on their families and communities as well. Substance addiction disrupts one’s ability to remain productive at work and to continue fulfilling family responsibilities. Moreover, the urge to get a hold of drug may lead one to violence as a method for obtaining it.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is a behavioral disorder characterized by occurrence of distinct outbursts of uncontrolled anger that can lead to hurting people and/or damaging property. Such outbursts are usually triggered by relatively insignificant causes like someone cutting through in traffic or someone accidentally stepping on one’s foot at a busy location. These tiny events may cause inappropriately intense reactions in those suffering from Intermittent Explosive Disorder.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is diagnosed in cases when person experiences recurring outburst episodes that last up to thirty minutes and involve physical abuse, verbal abuse, and/or property damage. Other symptoms include: verbal and physical aggression, rage, high level of energy during the aggressive episodes, possible self-aggression, racing thoughts, decreased productivity, low tolerance for frustration, experiencing guild after the outburst, irritability, frequently feeling moody.

As of now, scientists do not know what exactly causes the development of Intermittent Explosive Disorder. However, it has been linked to the following risk factors: being male, seizures, being a teenager or young adult, head or brain trauma, childhood trauma and/or physical abuse, alcohol or drug abuse. Thus, combination of biological and environmental factors is thought to cause the disorder.

People living with Intermittent Explosive Disorder may hurt themselves as well as others. Taking into account the amount of stress modern people have to deal with daily that can trigger the anger outbursts, this condition has to be treated to ensure safety. Commonly prescribed treatment for this disorder involves psychotherapy along with medications (either antidepressants or mood stabilizers).