For many, the use of opioids began with a prescription. The typical prescription is initially given to help manage symptoms of severe pain. While there are a few derivative options depending on the type of pain and area of the body associated, the overall design is one to relieve the user of the aches and torments of constant or even temporary pain. To avoid any form dependency developing, medical professionals recommend that the longevity of prescription medication use be kept at the minimum length possible.
A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland recently discovered that opioid prescriptions have a significant inverse relationship with opioid overdose-related deaths. In fact, between 2011 and 2016, opioid prescription rates in the U.S. dropped by an average of 17.8 percent while nationally, overdose deaths rose 528 percent.
What can be found even more interesting is the citing by the National Bureau of Economic Research finding that 75 percent of heroin users within treatment began their substance abuse through prescription opioids. The effects of substance abuse, whether within legal or illegal realms retains a debilitating impact on the user, their family, the community, and the economy as a whole. As one begins to form an unhealthy form of dependency, the lines of personal ethics are diminished. Once the prescription has been lifted, street drugs are what remains and are easily accessible. These substances not only deliver the massive high but also come at a fraction of the cost making it easy and affordable to continue their consumption.
It is important to pay attention to any prescription and only use it within the comfort of your body’s availability. Any changes in cognition, mood, or any bodily symptoms should be discussed with the primary care physician. Otherwise noted, a healthy support system at home can be an encouraging attribute to successful recovery from pain and avoidance of opioid dependency. If you or anyone in your family has experienced the strife of opioid dependency it may be time to reach out for help. An experienced team of support is available within the Asana Recovery system to help in the most nourishing of ways.
Asana Recovery provides nurturing, supportive, and inspiring environments to promote a healthy recovery. Supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs are available to assist with the process. Call us today at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs.
