Opioid addiction is a problem in the United States. It affects approximately 5 million people some who end up dead of an overdose. Between 2013 and 2014, the Center of Disease Control (CDC) noted a 14% increase in the rate of opioid overdose fatalities. Figures indicate that approximately, 17,000 people die in this fashion every year. Some are dependent upon heroin and other illegal opioids; however, many are addicted to prescription opioids.
Narcotic Pain Relievers
Some doctors prescribe opioids as a means of reducing the pain of their patients. After a serious accident or in response to chronic pain issues, medical professionals may prescribe certain narcotic pain relievers. Among the most common are the following:
Codeine
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
(Vicodin)
- Hydromorphone
(Dilaudid)
- Meperidine
(Demerol)
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
(Percocet or Oxycontin)
Addiction
Opioid addiction affects the wellbeing of communities across America. Whether prescribed or purchased illegally, the result is the same. Abuse of, or a susceptibility to opioids, can result in physical dependence. Failure to consume the drug, results in the appearance of several unpleasant side effects. These withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, anxiety and a plethora of similar indictors.
The growing tolerance of the body for the drugs results in the need to increase the intake to achieve the same result. Drug tolerance produces an even greater demand for the drug as usage increases. This abusive cycle does not end unless treatment or death intervenes.
Opioid Addiction
There is no single way to reduce opioid addiction. A one-size-fits-all approach is not optimal. Individualized programs are the most effective. In addressing the problem, it is important to keep in mind the following points:
- Addiction is treatable
- Addiction is complex
- Effective Opioid Addiction Treatment in Northbrook IL involves understanding and then addressing all components of the patient’s life
- Treatment takes time. It does not occur overnight but may be an integral part of your entire life
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that people remain in a state of recovering for the rest of their lives.
