The opioid epidemic refers to the increasing number of people dying and seeking medical help for opioid overdose. Hundreds of people die every day due to opioid overdoses. These overdosages result from both the use of illegal and prescription opioids. This issue is one of the most discussed crises in hospitals, health organizations, and media houses in the US.
By seeking help at Wellness Counseling Vida Entera, you can get the support your need to get started on the path to recovery. Begin treatment today at our opioid detox center in California.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids refer to a category of drugs obtained from the opium poppy plant. Manufacturers make some prescription opioids using the plant while others manufacture them in the lab using a similar chemical structure. Doctors mainly prescribe this drug to treat moderate and severe pain. However, one can also use this substance to treat diarrhea and coughing.
Some people may use prescription or illegally acquired opioids for recreational purposes. The most common prescription opioids are oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, and codeine. Unfortunately, this drug contains potent substances that may alter the structure of the brain. The most common form of the opioid drug is heroin, which is illegal in most parts of the world.
A History of the Opioid Epidemic
Most people associate the opioid epidemic to the over-prescription of these drugs in the 1990s. During this period, hundreds of millions of people in the US suffered chronic pain. Hence, the government and drug manufacturers expanded the production and use of prescription opioids. Additionally, some organizations such as the Joint Commission pleaded physicians to be more attentive to patients’ pain. This led to a further increase in the rate at which doctors prescribed this drug to patients.
The number of prescriptions for this drug tripled between 1991 and 2011. This increase also led to a rise in the number of people seeking drug abuse treatment. Additionally, the number of opioid overdose-related deaths also rose dramatically. Up to date, most forms of this substance are available both legally and illegally. Moreover, people who cannot access government programs may need to use private insurance during treatment. This aspect influences people with low income to prefer painkillers over therapy treatment.
Prescription Opioid Epidemic
Prescription painkillers are safe and can help when a person uses them for a short period, as advised. However, some people may misuse this medication by taking more than the recommended dose. In some cases, one may use another person’s prescription to treat pain without consulting a physician. Since this substance is addictive, one may crave the drug even after recovery. Most people do not notice that they have an addiction until the prescription ends.
In most cases, one will experience withdrawal effects when they cannot access the opioids. Some of these effects are muscle pain, diarrhea, and insomnia. This experience may influence a person to opt for other ways of getting high. For instance, some people may lie to their doctors to continue receiving opioid painkiller prescriptions. However, since prescription opioids are costly, a user may prefer to replace the drug with heroin.
Get on the Path to Recovery at Wellness Counseling Vida Entera Today
Seeking specialized addiction treatment can help control the opioid epidemic. One may undergo detox to remove toxins from opioid abuse before enrolling for treatment. The addiction treatment program one registers for may vary depending on the nature of the addiction. Some of the plans for opioid addiction treatment are:
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization program
- Medically assisted treatment
- Residential treatment
Learning about the opioid epidemic and the dangers of opioids misuse can help prevent the abuse of this drug. At Wellness Counseling Vida Entera, we understand that addiction can destroy a person’s life. Hence, we provide a variety of plans to help you or your loved one recover from addiction. We also offer therapy to improve one’s mental health and speed up recovery. Contact Wellness Counseling Vida Entera at 951.400.0082 to start a life free from drug abuse.
