What’s the Hype about Opioid Dependence?

The news is full of stories related to opioid dependence. Officials call it an epidemic. But what hides behind the information you see? More importantly, how does it affect you?

Alarming Opioid Dependence Statistics Point to a Growing Problem

When talking about opioids, commentators typically lump two distinct types of drugs into one topic: prescription painkillers and the street drug heroin. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services statistics shows that 78 people die every day because of an opioid overdose. On this same day, 3,900 individuals start using opioid painkillers recreationally while 580 people begin heroin use. Across the nation, pharmacies fill 650,000 prescriptions for opioids every day.

Falling victim to an opioid dependence is a lot easier than you might imagine. These drugs have a built-in chemical makeup that rewires brain chemistry and causes a quick tolerance buildup. As users increase the dosage, the brain stops making certain chemicals without the influx of the drug. For some, heroin becomes a cheaper alternative to prescription painkillers, and they make the switch.

Others abuse heroin and prescription drugs concurrently. They are at a heightened risk of overdosing and dying. Since the painkiller spiral calls for continuously increasing doses, it’s easy to take too much. Because opioids cause your breathing to slow and eventually stop, you don’t even realize the danger you’re in.

Rehab is the Way out for Drug Users Who Are Ready to Quit Using

Although officials try to make doctors more accountable for the prescriptions they write, people still have an easy time getting the pills. Finding heroin for those in need of the next fix is also not that difficult. To stop an opioid dependence and return to a life without drug use, you need help. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that progressively worsens.

• What stands in its way and helps you get clean is the right mix of therapies. Examples include:
• Group therapy teaches empathy and leverages the experiences of others as teaching tools
• Trauma therapy for the treatment of drug addiction causes rather than merely focusing on its symptoms
• Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the way you receive and process information
• Mindfulness-based treatment takes a holistic approach to stress reduction and stressor identification
• Experiential therapies such as rope courses, art therapy, and similar activities build self-esteem and teamwork

What makes this approach work in the treatment of substance abuse is the combination of the right modalities. For this reason, intake counselors work with you to customize a program that’s best suited to your needs. There’s no need to undertake someone else’s therapy with generic programs.

Find Help Today

Opioids–one of the most dangerous drugs currently available to the public. If you’ve fallen victim to a prescription drug or heroin addiction, Beaches Recovery can help. With specific heroin and opiate addiction treatment programs, you’ll get the help you need to recover. Call 866.605.0532 today and start your new drug-free life.