The story of the opioid epidemic is one of tragedy and tears. What began with the promise of new prescription-based pain therapies rapidly turned into the disastrous spread of addiction and overdose, both of legal opioids and illegal substances such as heroin. The epidemic has increased the need for excellent treatment facilities, such as our Ohio opiate rehab, to assist individuals caught in the opioid web.
The opioid epidemic still goes on, despite the focus brought to it by public officials in declaring it a public health emergency. The response of public health and government leaders isn’t something any individual can control. All we can control is ourselves. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, it’s time to get help.
What are Opioids?
Opioids, derived from the opium poppy plant, are medications that can provide important benefits to people who need them such as pain relief. Some opioids, such as Oxycontin are legal; others, like heroin, are against the law. All opioids have extremely addictive qualities.
Unfortunately, as with many drugs, opioids are prone to abuse. They provide a sense of relaxation or a high that people seek to recreate. The more you take, the more you crave the drug. Used in the wrong manner, opioids can cause various side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Mental confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Constipation
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
Opioid Epidemic
Opioid abuse grew into a significant problem in the late 1990s with a spike in prescriptions for Oxycontin and other types of opiate-based painkillers. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, pharmaceutical companies reassured physicians that the risks of addiction were low.
That turned out to be wrong. With the spike in prescriptions came a surge in addiction and dependence — and overdose deaths.
Doctors responded by prescribing fewer opioids. But that triggered sharp increases in heroin use, as desperate individuals sought to escape problems with withdrawal. On the heels of the surge in heroin use came an increase in the use of synthetic opioids, which have caused similar problems.
The data is startling. According to the National Institutes on Drug Abuse, between 20 and 30 percent of people prescribed opioids end up abusing them. Between 4 and 6 percent will transition to heroin.
People struggling within the opioid epidemic urgently need treatment. Consider getting help from our drug addiction treatment center in Ohio, or other facilities like them closer to where you live.
Treatment Options
The ferocious effects of opioids on an individual’s health and well-being make treatment an urgent matter. Breaking the cycle of addiction takes determination and commitment.
The treatment process will vary depending on individual circumstances but usually starts with a complete and thorough intake and assessment. Clinicians will seek to understand the history of your opioid use.
From there addiction specialists will develop a thorough treatment plan, typically starting with a detox. In detox, you receive medical supervision as you work through a period of withdrawal symptoms that follows when you stop using.
After detox, expect a period of counseling, both on an individual and group basis. Therapy is designed to help you understand your thoughts, actions, and behaviors and develop coping skills. The final stage is after-care, which provides ongoing medical and peer support to lower the risk of relapse.
Looking to the Future
The opioid epidemic continues to pose substantial financial, health, and personal problems for people in Ohio and across the country. These substances are highly addictive and dangerous, with thousands falling victim to sudden overdose. If you are struggling with opioid abuse, get help right away. You may also struggle with alcohol and other drugs. If that’s the case, seek the support of substance abuse treatment programs in Ohio or facilities like them closer to where you live. Your life awaits.
