Opioid Addiction Treatment
You’ve no doubt heard the term opioid epidemic get thrown around in the news. The opioid epidemic, also known as the opioid crisis. has become a hot button issue in the media. However, many may not know what the crisis actually is.
The opioid epidemic specifically refers to the growing number of deaths and hospitalizations from opioids, including prescriptions, illicit drugs, and analogues. In recent years, death rates from these drugs have ramped up to over 40,000 a year, or 115 a day, across the US. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, largely due to the opioid epidemic.
The abuse of substances is something that countless people struggle with throughout society today. The presence of an addiction to alcohol and/or drugs can quickly consume all aspects of the user’s life, negatively impacting both that individual as well as those around him or her. Opioids are one type of drug that can rapidly cause devastation in the lives of those who become trapped in the grips of its addictive properties. Heroin, morphine, and prescription painkillers are all various types of opioid substances that, when abused, produce mind and mood-altering effects by depressing the central nervous system. The result of this central nervous system depression is the onset of feelings of relaxation and euphoria, both of which become desirable to users, making them more susceptible to continue their use of these substances. This continued use can quickly turn into addiction and physical dependence, making it extremely difficult for individuals to put an end to their use of opioids.
At Koinonia Residential Treatment Center, we recognize how difficult it can be to face each day plagued by the desire and compulsion to use opioids and have therefore created specialized, effective programming that is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are suffering from this form of chemical dependency concern.
Learning that you have a friend or family member who has developed an addiction to opioids can bring about much emotional turmoil. You are likely frustrated with your loved one because of his or her inability to put an end to the use of this substance, yet you are also likely extremely concerned about what the future holds for your loved one if he or she continues on this dangerous road of opioid abuse. While you cannot force your loved one to stop using drugs, there are some things that you can do to encourage your loved one to seek and receive the treatment needed to overcome an addiction of this kind. Consider the following:
- Take the time to become educated on the signs of opioid abuse so that you can gauge an idea of the level of care that would be most appropriate for helping your loved one based on the severity of his or her use.
- Sit down with your loved one and be open and honest regarding your concerns about his or her use of opioids. Encourage other people in your loved one’s life to be a part of the conversation and express their concerns as well.
- Research different options for treatment with your loved one and offer to go with him or her to any appointments or tours of treatment centers that may be scheduled.
- Be an active, vocal, and encouraging part of your loved one’s treatment process. The more involved you are, the more successful your loved one will likely be.
- Remain a beacon of unconditional hope and support. Remember that the road to rehab & recovery can be a long one, but do not give up on your loved one.
