Imagine the trauma faced by a family after learning that their loved one has died at a drug or alcohol addiction treatment center. Now, how do you think they would react if (in this situation) the loved one had pleaded to be sent to a hospital for days? This scenario is part of a very real incident that recently took place in a Phoenix treatment center sometime around October 2018. After pleading for officials to send her to a medical center, a mother from Columbus, Ohio collapsed in her room at the center and was declared dead by personnel. Ultimately, the attorney representing the family has called the service “outrageous,” reflecting the fact that recovery can be just as dangerous as addiction itself. Let’s take a closer look at the troubling reality of patients dying in addiction treatment centers.
Opioid Crisis behind Closed Doors
Keep in mind that an addict or abuser can’t simply walk away from drugs or alcohol. In fact, the processes of detox, withdrawal, and rehabilitation are sometimes dangerous (and, in many cases, near-fatal). Researchers confirm that patients undergoing addiction treatment are putting themselves at great risk for health emergencies. Ultimately, as the Opioid Crisis continues to wreak havoc on innocent people across the United States, medical professionals have urged treatment center officials to take an extra step by providing more rigorous measures to protect patients.
The Trail of Death in the U.S.
In 2015 alone, an estimated 1.4 million people underwent treatment for alcoholism, drug addiction, or some form of abuse (as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports). Out of these numbers, the agency took note of 3,362 fatalities. However, states keep separate track of addiction treatment methods, which can make the situation a little trickier to track. For example, in California, state regulators have looked into 150 deaths at treatment centers (since 2014).
Overall, the situation with the Opioid Crisis does not help in the least. From 1999 to 2017, the number of opioid-related deaths skyrocketed from 8,050 to 49,068.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Always remember that alcohol and drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or addiction troubles today.
