Did you know that millions of Americans are currently suffering from a form of opioid addiction? Possibly one of the worst parts about this epidemic sweeping through our country isn’t necessarily the influx of illegal drugs (like heroin and fentanyl) but is (in fact) the simple reality that victims cannot always get the help they need. In this case, we are not referring to withdrawal and rehab programs. Instead, we are referring to people who can help people from the very beginning, when they have not yet sought the help they need. For example, did you also know that an opioid hotline exists? If you said “no,” you would be joining a ton of opioid addicts in the same boat. Let’s take a closer look and find out why one phone number could solve problems from the start.
Dial for Help
Funded by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the opioid hotline 1-800-622-HELP might possibly be a saving grace lifeline for opioid addicts. As researcher John Ayers explains (adjunct professor of infectious diseases and global public health at the University of California in San Diego), this hotline helps addicts navigate a lineup of treatment opportunities to discover the program that matches their personality and preferences the best. After dialing 1-800-622-HELP, victims can access treatment centers in the vicinity of their home that will meet their psychological, physical, and financial needs.
Impressive Rate of Success
While the number of patients has certainly not matched the hundreds of thousands, we can happily report that many people are still dialing this number. As of the 1st quarter of 2018, an estimated 68,000 people dialed 1-800-622-HELP. However, this is a drastic drop from 2017’s report of 815,000 patients. Why is this the case? Researchers speculate that people who have private health insurance will receive a list of viable treatment options from the insurance provider.
Unfortunately, the spotlight for opioid addiction is not as strong as suicide, as bizarre as this may sound. For example, after actress Demi Lovato suffered a reputed heroin overdose, only 258 out of 1 million Twitter posts mentioned the 1-800-622-HELP opioid hotline. However, when chef Anthony Bourdain committed suicide in 2018, 21,000 tweets covered this subject. We are not dismissing suicide, which is one of the most tragic incidences imaginable, but this is an ideal time to consider why opioid addiction (a problem happening to living people) is still not held in the same category of severity.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids are extremely potent and dangerous drugs that have a high risk for abuse and addiction and can be particularly dangerous for teens and young adults, whose brains are still developing. If you are ever instructed to take these medications, proceed with caution. Follow the instructions to the letter and never take more than the required dose. Although they might be able to help people cope with pain (chronic or injury-related), these drugs can still wreak havoc on the mind and body. Remember, you can always find an alternative.
If you are suffering from a severe case of opioid use disorder or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these deadly painkillers.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your attachment to opioids and take an essential step against the Opioid Crisis.
