Prescription opioids are widely available, and many doctors prescribe them to patients for a whole host of reasons. Although using prescription opioids in medical emergencies might make sense, these drugs are highly addictive. Overuse and overprescription have led to America’s opioid crisis. To tackle the epidemic one person at a time, addiction treatment and recovery are necessary.
The Rise of Prescription Opioids
There are many reasons for the opioid epidemic in America. To start, physicians are prescribing these drugs at a rapid rate. By one statistic, doctors prescribed enough opiates for each American adult to have one prescription bottle of opioids. Since not every adult in America is using opioids, it’s clear that there are many people abusing these drugs.
People are taking these drugs for too long. Opioids are not supposed to be a long-term solution. When people are in pain, however, it’s easier to write a prescription than get to the heart of the problem.
When individuals take prescription opioids for too long or in the wrong amounts, they’re likely to develop an addiction. Although opioids have a medical purpose, they can still absolutely lead to a devastating addiction.
From Prescription Opioids to Heroin
There’s a myth that prescription opioids are somehow better or safer than heroin. The reality is that the two substances often have a lot in common. Plus, using prescription opioids can quickly lead to the abuse of heroin.
More than 80% of heroin users first started abusing it because of a dependency on prescription painkillers. When it becomes hard or expensive to find prescription drugs, heroin becomes the next best thing. No one is immune from the chemical dependence, and no one who abuses opioids is safe from the dangers and risks of drugs like heroin.
Signs of Opioid Abuse
Using opioids doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an abuse problem. For many users, however, that can quickly become the case. Learning to spot the signs of opioid abuse can help you get a loved one the professional support he or she needs.
The physical signs of opioid abuse can include slowed breathing or constricted pupils. Constipation is very common, and weight loss is likely. Many opioid users also display rapid changes in mood and energy level. They might seem enthusiastic for a short time and then nod off without warning.
Opioid abuse can also cause a person to lose focus. They might forget about their career or stop paying attention to loved ones. Opioid abuse can change the way a person dresses, looks and acts in public.
Fight the Opioid Crisis at The Dunes of East Hampton
At The Dunes of East Hampton, we challenge the opioid crisis one person at a time. Residents can begin opioid addiction treatment and receive holistic, effective care from every angle. Some treatment methods for recovery include:
- Meditation and yoga
- Acupuncture
- NA and AA meetings
- Group therapy and family therapy
- Individual behavioral therapy
All of these services are available in a luxurious environment. Residents at The Dunes in East Hampton in New York can expect privacy, security, and comfort. Call 877-818-5539 to begin your journey to recovery today.
