In the United States it is evident that the American people aren’t immune to struggles in life. Some people experience extreme pain and can only function with the assistance of a pain reliever. There are many different pain relievers that can be prescribed to individuals, such as vicodin, fentanyl, and oxycodone. These pain relievers react well to very serious pain. Although these drugs help, there are times when these drugs are harmful. In fact, more than two million Americans throughout the United States are affected by prescription opioid misuse every year. In addition, some individuals have the potential to turn to other drugs such as heroin. If you’ve been affected by the opioid epidemic and have experienced opioid dependence, here is what you should know about opioid dependence and recovery.
Opioid Dependence
By definition, opioid dependence is the physical as well as psychological dependence on opioids. In other words, individuals cannot function properly without using these drugs multiple times throughout the day. Additionally, individuals may take these drugs in copious amounts. Without these drugs, individuals cannot be themselves, cannot attend work or school, and some may not be able to get out of bed without the use of this drug. Individuals who are trapped in opioid dependence can even experience mood changes, violent behavior, isolate themselves from family and friends, and spend much time alone. Needless to say, you will not be able to recognize your family member who is opioid dependent. They are a completely different person and not in a positive way. Additionally, sometimes this opioid dependence gets so serious and bad that individuals experience an opioid overdose. With that being said, opioid dependence have the potential to end lives. Therefore, opioid treatment is extremely important because it can save and change lives for the better.
Opioid Treatment
If you know that your family member, your friend, or yourself is struggling with opioid dependence, it is wise to research and commit to treatment for your opioid addiction. There are many different forms of treatment so you can certainly find the correct and ideal treatment for your family, friend, or yourself.
First, there are signs that you are trapped in an addiction to opioids and need treatment. Some of these signs include, but are not limited to, opting to snort the pills, slow pulse, slurred speech, and track marks on the arms, legs, and other body parts. This is certainly a time when the individual or yourself needs to enter a rehabilitation facility.
Detox And Withdrawal: The first step or portion to opioid treatment is entering a facility that specializes in detox and withdrawal. This is important because you have to get the opioid drugs completely out of your system. These facilities have the equipment necessary to assist you in making it through this first stage. You will be given medication to help with the pain and the withdrawal symptoms. Some of these medications are methadone, clonidine, and naltrexone. These medications have the same qualities as opioids except they do not have the addicting properties or the ability to make you feel euphoric. Once you go through detox and withdrawal, you can successfully move to the next treatment.
In-Patient Rehabilitation Centers: It is important to note that while you enter an in-patient facility, you may still need the medications to help you, such as methadone. In an in-patient center you will attend sessions that help you with the psychological portion of your addiction. Trained professionals will teach you ways to cope, and provide you with tools that you will utilize when you return back to your life. This is extremely important so a relapse does not occur. Additionally, in an in-patient rehab center, you will learn how to care for yourself in a better, more positive way. You will receive exercise, healthy meals, and other forms of treatment. Additionally, if you’re an individual living with chronic pain, professionals will develop programs you can attend to learn how to major your pain in a healthy way. Lastly, you will attend group therapy as well as sessions with your family. All of these programs combined, really help you recover.