The opioid epidemic is one of the most critical issues affecting people across the United States. Opioids are a broad category of prescription drugs used to treat severe pain. While this substance is primarily for medical purposes, some people misuse it and suffer from addiction. Abusing it also exposes them to various mild and severe effects that can either be long or short-term. Enrolling for treatment at TruHealing Centers can help in preventing the dangers of opioid addiction. For more information, contact our team today at [Direct].
Prescription Opioid Epidemic
A substantial number of people addicted to opioids do so after using the drugs for medical uses. Since the substance is highly addictive, taking it for a prolonged period causes the body to adapt. As a result, once the prescription period ends, the user will experience cravings. These feelings cause them to use the drug even when they do not need it for pain relief.
In some cases, prescription drugs may influence the usage of other substances. This scenario occurs when the body develops tolerance and needs more drugs to achieve the same effect. If one cannot access another prescription, they may use more potent drugs like heroin to satisfy the cravings. On the other hand, some engage in this behavior when they cannot afford the medication.
Dangers of the Opioid Epidemic
The prevalent abuse of opioids exposes users to a wide range of dangers. For instance, they may experience short term effects like drowsiness, nausea, and unconsciousness. The behavior also increases tolerance, influencing the use of a significant amount, leading to an overdose.
An opiate overdose can cause mild or severe effects depending on a variety of factors. These factors include the dosage taken, level of tolerance, and whether one used other substances. Some of the most common impacts of overdose are loss of consciousness and shallow breathing. Besides, it can cause severe problems like brain damage, respiratory failure, and sometimes death.
While a high percentage of people using drugs suffer from addiction, only a small proportion get help. Seeking opioid addiction treatment can prevent further abuse and protect you from adverse effects. Some of the treatments available for addiction are:
- An opiate addiction treatment program
- Medication-assisted detox
- Men’s rehab programs
- Women’s rehab programs
- Prescription drugs addiction treatment
Signs of Opioid Addiction
Identifying the signs of opioid addiction is crucial as it may help in getting professional treatment. The symptoms often vary depending on whether there is a co-occurring disease or multiple substance abuse. Using the drug causes appetite changes that result in abrupt weight changes. Moreover, it affects some functions of the brain, leading to extreme mood changes and anxiety. The substance can also cause withdrawal effects when one has no access to it. Some of these effects are sweating, nausea, abdominal pain, and insomnia.
Drug addiction affects the ability to reason, influencing irrational behavior. For instance, a person may start fights, avoid social interactions, or hang out with other drug users. In some cases, they may show decreased interest in some of the activities they enjoyed before. Furthermore, addiction makes it difficult to stop using drugs, even if the habit causes adverse health effects. Other signs of opioid addiction include fatigue, decreased hygiene, and inability to control usage.
Contact TruHealing Centers for Opioid Addiction Treatment
The abuse of prescription painkillers contributes to the existing opioid epidemic. At TruHealing Centers, we can help you recover from addiction and prevent the dangers of overdosing. We have a variety of detox and addiction treatment programs that can treat opioid addiction. Some of these programs are residential, outpatient, and drug detox programs. We also apply various therapies to speed up recovery and boost the patient’s mental health. Please do not allow yourself to be a part of the epidemic. Contact TruHealing Centers at [Direct] to recover from addiction.