Over the course of several decades, the Opioid Crisis has continued to lay waste to people across the United States of America. From the sweeping foothills of the Midwest to the peaceful valleys of the Pacific Coast, no single state has been safe from this terrible health epidemic, possibly one of the scariest since the HIV/AIDS outbreak in the 1970s and the 1980s. However, one of the most tragic aspects of this Opioid Crisis has been the outcome for young children. To date, an estimated 250,000 children are currently enrolled in foster care systems due to the fact that their parents are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Likewise, 1 out of 3 children in the system are sent to live with their grandparents, completely transforming the shape of the modern family unit in many places. Let’s take a closer look at these dire circumstances and find out some more information.
Stepping up to the Plate
Consider the fact that about 130 Americans die as a direct result of opioid-induced overdoses, and many more parents are completely neglecting their children due to opioid addiction. As a result, hundreds of loving grandparents have to step up to the plate to take care of these little ones and serve as a makeshift family unit. Donna Butts (executive director of Generations United) explains that grandparents can provide the blanket of love, care, and guidance that the addict parents cannot. However, keep in mind that these men and women not only take on the responsibilities of raising children all over again but must also manage severe behavioral problems that can be triggered by child abuse.
Childcare and Health Problems
As part of a recent interview, reporters uncovered the nature of the grandparents’ dilemmas. For example, one couple took in their grandson who suffers from neonatal abstinence syndrome, and, even though the boy has demonstrated impressive cognitive function, he can suffer from rampant behavior. In another documented case, two grandparents are raising their three grandchildren while their daughter recovers from her opioid addiction.
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. 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.
