Why Do Doctors Prescribe Opioids?

Beaches Recovery is closely monitoring COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Beaches Recovery keeps a safe environment and can now screen for Coronavirus (COVID-19) to ensure our community is safe. All intakes are screened for COVID-19 and patients are being supervised by medical staff around the clock.

In conjunction with our existing infection control policies, Beaches Recovery and Tides Edge Recovery are closely monitoring CDC updates on the impact of the coronavirus as they are released. We would like to take the time to inform you of our facility’s preventative measures we have put in place at both of our facilities. Our goal is to keep our patients, their families, and our employees safe. All efforts are guided by and in adherence to the recommendations distributed by the CDC.

1.All staff has received infection control and prevention training.
2. Thorough disinfection and hygiene guidelines have been provided.
3. Patient care supplies such as disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers are being monitored and utilized. Hand-outs have been provided detailing general principles such as hand washing, covering your nose and mouth when coughing, and refraining from touching your eyes and/or face.
4. Screening protocols have been enhanced such as a review of travel history, and current health status in an effort to reduce those with flu like symptoms from admitting to our facilities.
5. Visitation policies will continue to be reviewed at least twice a week.
6. We are in communication with our local health department to receive important community-specific updates.

In summary, the safety of our patients, their families, and our employees is our top priority, and we will remain steadfast in our efforts to reduce any risk associated with COVID-19 and keep everyone save and healthy.

Opioid addiction rates have drastically increased in the United States, with opioid abuse and overdoses rising to record levels. With opioid addiction becoming a public health emergency, you may be wondering why do doctors prescribe opioids?

While opioids are widely abused in the United States, they are still the most effective way to treat and manage chronic, severe, and traumatic pain. If you are wondering why do doctors prescribe opioids when they are so widely abused, the simple answer is that opioids are still the most effective treatment for things like surgical pain and pain caused by chemotherapy.

Even though they are addictive, certain types of pain require opioids. Despite their medical uses, opioid addiction and abuse continue to occur due to the highly addictive nature of opioids. Even if you take opioids exactly as prescribed, there is still a chance you can become addicted.

So, why do doctors prescribe opioids despite opioids being highly addictive? Unfortunately, opioids are still the best course of treatment for certain types of severe pain. The most common reasons people take prescription opioids include:

Post-surgical pain
Dental pain
Treating pain following dental procedures, such as extractions
Pain associated with chemotherapy
Traumatic pain caused by severe injuries
Managing pain during surgical procedures

Severe pain left untreated can cause serious medical problems, including heart attacks. Opioids are necessary during serious medical procedures and post-surgical recovery in order to prevent stress upon the body, such as increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Most doctors only prescribe opioids for short periods of time, although certain chronic pain conditions may require long term use of opioids.

Treatment for Opioid Addiction and Dependency

Opioid addiction can be damaging not only your to health, but also to your career, family life, and finances. Physical dependency results in painful withdrawal symptoms when you immediately stop using opioids. This makes a supervised medical detox a critical element of treatment.

Treatment for opioid addiction can take place in an inpatient or outpatient settings, with short term and long-term programs available. Long term inpatient programs offer treatment exceeding 28 days, often providing sober living options following discharge. Outpatient programs are less intensive and provide an ideal step down from inpatient programs.

Additionally, you may want to consider:

Some programs may offer maintenance medications such as Vivitrol, Suboxone, or Methadone.

Finding the Right Treatment Center

Although you may wonder why do doctors prescribe opioids, the reality is that despite their addictive nature, they have extensive medical benefits in clinical settings. Unfortunately, opioids are still widely abused. If you or a loved one is battling an opioid addiction or other substance abuse issues, finding the right treatment center is imperative.

Beaches Recovery, the premier opioid rehab Jacksonville FL offers, provides the expertise and compassion you need to successfully recover from opioid addiction. Our treatment plans strive to provide you with the specialized, individualized care you need in a safe, supportive environment to help you achieve your goals. This way, you can understand why do doctors prescribe opioids, and realize the benefits (and potential harm) they can do to your body. Call us today at 866.605.0532 to learn more about how our nationally recognized treatment programs can get you on the path towards recovery.