How to Be a Positive Factor in Opiate Addiction Recovery Statistics
Understanding Opiate Addiction Recovery Statistics and Making the Decision to End Long Term Use of Opiates
The numbers reflecting opiate abuse and overdose are unfortunately astounding. Opiates have become increasingly popular, so much so that as of 2016, opiate overdose was the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, according to opiate addiction recovery statistics. The problem with opiate addiction is that it can develop very quickly—sometimes before the individual using realizes that it's becoming a real problem. Opiate substances, such as prescription pain medication, can lead to the use of heroin (the cheaper alternative). In fact, four out of five heroin users admit to abusing pain medication before trying heroin.
According to opiate addiction recovery statistics, 94% of users admitted to a drug rehabilitation facilities stated that they chose to use heroin instead, since prescription opiates were harder to get a hold of.
What Happens with Long Term Use of Opiates?
Long term use of opiates can lead to many health risks. In fact, many opiate abusers disregard the idea of drug rehabilitation, because of the fear of opiate withdrawal symptoms. Because opiate withdrawal symptoms tend to be intense, the thought of having to go through detox discourages users from seeking help. It's important to know that there are drug rehabilitation facilities out there that work toward positively affecting opiate addiction recovery statistics, and are dedicated to making drug addiction recovery an obtainable goal for anyone dealing with this disease.
Long term use of opiates requires a more extensive treatment plan, since the body has maintained a continuous dependence for a longer period of time. Opiates affect the brain, since these substances attach to pain receptors in the brain to block pain and create the feelings of euphoria that they're known for. However, the brain is not the only part of the body that can be damaged with long term use of opiates.
Those who have abused opiates, especially by means of injection, are at risk for infections surrounding the lining of the heart (endocarditis), abscesses, liver and kidney disease, heart disease, and brain damage. Getting help for opiate dependence increases the body's chance at recovery to its fullest potential.
Going Through Detox
Typically, emotional and physical opiate withdrawal symptoms can begin up to 12 hours after the last dose. These symptoms can present themselves up to 48 hours after the last dose and remain constant for even weeks. Ridding the body of opiates can cause physical side effects like:
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle aches and body pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increase in blood pressure
- Sweating
- Intense cravings
Emotional opiate withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Panics
- Aggression
It's also important to note that those dealing with other behavioral or psychological conditions, in addition to addiction, may experience these symptoms and other amplified symptoms associated with the other conditions.
Medical detox, for those with severe opiate withdrawal symptoms, may be an option as well. Sometimes medical professionals will prescribe opioid-blocking substances, such as methadone or buprenorphine. Facilities that utilize these substances with medical detox treatment have increased drastically, according to opiate addiction recovery services. Having these medications monitored by a medical professional is vital to successful recovery, since these drugs can be habit-forming as well.
After detox is complete, recovering addicts are encouraged to participate in various therapy sessions including individual and group counseling. These counseling sessions will enable patients to understand the root of addiction and learn ways to cope and manage these triggers. Staying involved in counseling sessions, especially once the inpatient program is complete, increases an addict's change at relapse prevention.
If you or a loved one have a history of not only long term use of opiates, but drug or alcohol addiction of any kind, please contact Drug Treatment Centers Tallahassee today at (877) 804-1531 to discuss the treatment options and facilities that meet your needs.
Sources:
https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf