In 2018, an average of 128 people died each day from opioid-related causes. As a result, the U.S. government declared a National Crisis and set forth means to help address the staggering presence of opioid addiction and overdoses in the U.S. The rise in both illicit and prescription opioid abuse has been connected to a steep rise in pain pill prescriptions written in the past 2 decades. New guidelines did reduce the frequency of pharmaceutical opioid use, but many would argue it is not enough. It is hard to deny when hundreds of thousands of Americans are left battling a severe addiction to deadly and devastating substances.
What are Opioids?
The term “opioids” has come to refer to a range of substances that act on the mu receptors in our brains. This interaction creates a euphoric feeling and blocks sensations of pain. The ability for opioids to minimize or eliminate pain make them an effective option for treating cases of chronic or severe pain. However, they also are highly addictive and can result in both physical and psychological effects such as addiction, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, overdose, and death. Common examples of opioids include:
- Morphine
- Heroin
- OxyContin
- Vicodin
- Fentanyl
Opioid Addiction Treatment
Overcoming an opioid addiction, whether to prescription or illicit drugs, is a challenging process for multiple reasons. The first reason is the physical dependence and high likelihood of withdrawal symptoms. These closely resemble flu symptoms and can be severe, debilitating, and last for days. One symptom, in particular, is a reason in itself why detox can be difficult: cravings.
Opioid withdrawal cravings can be intense and all consuming. Without the right support and coping mechanisms in place, it is unreasonable to expect every person to overcome the cravings. Another factor that may impede the recovery process is any underlying health issue. A treatment for pain, some opioid addicts may face the return of this pain when the drugs effect wears off. Without an alternative pain management strategy, it may be much more difficult to stop using.
At Ignite Recovery Center, we provide a range of treatment options to address the multitude of challenges associated with opioid addiction ranging from behavioral therapy to medication-assisted treatment. You and your loved ones do not have to face this journey alone. Verify your insurance or call our admissions office today to get started!