Why Do Doctors Prescribe Opioids?

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.

Why do Doctors Prescribe Opioids?

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:

• 12 step programs
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Addiction counseling
• Group therapy

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.