Chronic Pain and Opioids: The Basis for an Epidemic

In the United States, we have an epidemic of opioid addiction. Unfortunately, the problem often times originates innocently, and the addiction is unexpected. Experts can’t deny that there is a connection between chronic pain and opioids. However, there is also a correlation between those taking opioids for chronic pain and opioid addiction. The need for an opioid rehab Jacksonville is especially important to help combat this problem.

How Does Chronic Pain and Opioids Lead to Addiction?

Opioids eliminate pain

As simple as it sounds, one of the reasons people start taking opioids is to relieve moderate to severe pain. In fact, opioids do work to relieve pain. This causes a real struggle for some who may be challenged with chronic pain. What may have started out as an innocent prescription for pain medication can then lead to an addiction problem.

Opioids trigger endorphins

Not only do opioids eliminate pain but they do so by triggering the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins make the person feel good, happy, and relaxed. It makes sense that a person enjoys the “feel good” chemicals that the brain releases. Who doesn’t want to feel good and happy?

Opioids lead to tolerance

One of the reasons people end up down the path of addiction when dealing with chronic pain and opioids is because the body becomes tolerant to the opioids. Over time, your body slows down on producing endorphins. This means that you then need more of the opioids to trigger the positive feelings that you come to rely on. That leads many people to take higher doses. At this point, the risk for overdose and addiction increase even more.

Statistics and Facts About the Opioid Epidemic

In the 1990s, pharmaceutical companies assured medical professionals that people who took opioids were at low risk for addiction. This led to many doctors writing prescriptions for opioids. However, in time, the truth about opioids came to the light. Here are some of the statistics about opioid addiction:

• More than 130 people die daily from opioid overdose
• In 2017 HHS declared the opioid crisis a “public health emergency”
• Opioids include pain medication, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl
• In 2017 close to 50,000 people died from opioids
• Approximately 25% of people who get a prescription for opioids misuse them
• About 80% of people who use heroin, first abused opioids

Discover Beaches Recovery

A person who is stuck in the cycle of opioid addiction needs medical intervention to safely come off them. At Beaches Recovery, we have a professional, educated staff that is equipped to handle the withdrawals of opioid addiction. We also understand how to help people detox from this substance in a safe, nurturing environment. When attending our premier facility, you will have access to the following:

• Opioid addiction rehab
• Opiate addiction rehab
• Heroin addiction rehab
• Inpatient treatment program
• Residential treatment program

Don’t let chronic pain and opioids take you down the path of addiction. You can overcome pain and addiction by going to quality drug rehab. Contact us at 866.605.0532, and we’ll get you on the right road.