If you ask the question, “what is the biggest drug issue in America?” you will most likely hear rumblings about heroin and painkillers. The truth is an addiction to opiates has reached epidemic status. The number of people surrendering their lives to such substances is mind-boggling. Also, the toll this problem is taking on all of us is staggering. The following represents an attempt to educate people about this ever-growing problem.

The Characteristics of Addiction to Opiates

Prescriptions medications can lead to an addiction to opiatesThere’s no denying that illicit drugs like heroin are a problem. The more significant issue we see regarding addiction to opiates revolves around prescription medications. Painkillers like Oxycontin and Percocet are legitimate prescription medications. Doctors prescribe such drugs to combat moderate to severe pain issues. The problem is some legitimate users abuse the very substance that is supposed to give them relief. Toss in a population of recreational users also abusing these substances, and the core issue becomes apparent. Access to these drugs is too easy.

So what does an addiction to opiates look like? The range of addiction signs goes from physical symptoms to emotional or psychological ones. First, we should note that the signs of heroin addiction are unique. We say this because most heroin users will inject this substance. The signs of heroin addiction include needle marks, cooking paraphernalia lying around and radical changes in appearance. As for painkillers, users will usually take them orally. Someone addicted to painkillers could show any or all of the following signs:

  • Heavy limbs from muscle tightness
  • Excessive sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Sudden changes in weight
  • Erratic behavior
  • A constant focus on getting money
  • Nausea and vomiting

By the time these signs of addiction to opiates become prevalent, the user is likely in full-blown addiction. The only way out is getting help from a reputable drug treatment center like Beaches Recovery.

Recovery From an Opiate Addiction

Opiates are no-nonsense substances. It’s rare to see someone with such an addiction who isn’t having significant problems in their life. The only reliable way out of this kind of hole is through addiction treatment. Addiction treatment for opiate abuse is a three-step process.

Step 1–Given the properties that come with opiates, a medical detox is almost always necessary. Most users need help getting past some quite dangerous withdrawal symptoms. We are referring to things like severe muscle cramping, breathing problems, convulsions, and hallucinations. Under the care of professional medical staff, patients can clear their cravings and withdrawal symptoms with minimal issues.

Step 2–It’s time for the therapy portion of treatment. This is the time when patients need to be open and honest with themselves and their counselor. Solid communication opens the doorway to discovery. Through discovery, patients can learn about their addiction and take steps to avoid their triggers going forward.

Step 3Aftercare. The end of treatment is the beginning of recovery. The ones who stay clean are the ones that take advantage of aftercare programs to help squelch temptation.

A Little About Beaches Recovery

Our premier treatment facility sits in the beautiful community of Jacksonville, Florida. We place much of our treatment focus on treating each person as a unique individual with unique circumstances. Here’s an abbreviated list from our treatment menu:

If you have an addiction to opiates, you will eventually face severe problems if you don’t get help. This isn’t something we say to scare you. It’s simply the truth. The good news is we have exactly what you need. We have custom treatment programs that will set you firmly on the road to addiction recovery. To get what you need, you must do two things. First, you must accept you have an illness. Second, you need to call Beaches Recovery facility at 866.605.0532. Surely, a better life is worth the time it will take for one phone call.