The Affordable Care Act brought forth an influx in the number of Americans with access to affordable healthcare.
Although it is generally good for patients to be able to see doctors for issues more often, we are seeing a rise in the number of patients prescribed opioids for pain. Everyone likes to believe their doctor has their best interest at heart, so they are quick to fill prescriptions given by their doctor, regardless of whether or not the medication is truly safe for them to take.
What we are seeing
Painkillers have rapidly grown to one of the most common types of drugs prescribed by doctors in the United States. These medications act to provide relief from pain to patients by influencing the brain and neurological system to not respond to pain signals. Over time, a patient’s body forms a tolerance for the medications, resulting in the need for an increase in dosage.
If doctors are unwilling to increase the dosage for the patient, they may search for relief through other means. As heroin is generally cheaper and easier to get a hold of than painkillers, individuals begin using it as a way to calm their pain. Without proper prescriptions and monitoring of painkiller usage, we are seeing more individuals opt for unconventional treatment, like Fentanyl and heroin, and dying as a result.
Since 1999, over 63,000 people have died as a result of opioid overdoses, including prescription drugs. This number has increased over 30-percent between July 2016 and September 2017 in 45 states across the country. Between 21 and 29-percent of patients prescribed opioids misuse them and, as a result, around 10-percent of patients develop an opioid use disorder – or addiction.
What Can Be Done to Stop this Epidemic?
If you or a loved one suffers from an opioid addiction, it is important to seek proper treatment. Without a doubt, no one wants to be left alone dealing with pain; however, if the prescribed medications are not working and a patient is searching for other methods of treatment it is only creating a bad situation for them.
At Asana Recovery, we understand what you are going through, which is why we designed a program specifically to help individuals overcome opioid addictions. We have an exceptional detox program that provides round-the-clock care for patients as they go through the process. Our professionals help guide you through various therapies to minimize withdrawal syndromes and get you on the road to recovery.
After detox, we offer both residential and outpatient treatment options for patients so they can continue receiving the help and guidance they need to maintain a normal life, control their pain without abusing opioids, and taking a hold of their lives once and for all.
At Asana Recovery, we offer patients a home that is safe, relaxing, and comfortable for them. The residential stay guarantees treatment and support from trained medical professionals, case managers, counselors, and therapists who all want to see you succeed. Give us a call at (949) 329-5479 to see how we can help you.
