Ultimately, opioid use disorder is a very complicated mess, especially when you consider how it has increased over the past decade. Since the early 2000s, the Opioid Crisis has taken a foothold in the United States and has left a tidal wave of fatalities in its wake. In fact, in 2016 alone, 2 million U.S. citizens over the age of 12 suffered from some form of prescription painkiller addiction, while an additional 117,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses. Ultimately, the problem behind the Crisis is the simple fact that opioids (for the most part) are a necessary part of medicine. Simply put, people need the drug to cope with excruciating pain, but the euphoric sensations produced by these drugs can drive people into a state of abuse or addiction. So, what is this connection between pain and opioid use disorder (OUD)? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
Going Back to the Doctors
Back in the early part of the 1990s, opioid-induced deaths began to skyrocket, greatly due to the fact that people have been using these painkillers to cope with mental illnesses for centuries (as shocking as that might sound). Poison.com explains that most opioids were traditionally given to cancer patients, who need to cope with excruciating pain during treatment. However, throughout the years, pharmaceutical companies and medical groups began distributing the drugs for non-cancerous problems.
As a result, when 2010 rolled around the corner, the public was suffering from a firestorm of heroin addiction and heroin-related deaths. In the 2000s alone, 75% of people who enrolled in treatment centers were suffering from addiction to heroin.
Desperate for Relief
Based on a report from Vox, many U.S. states have implemented regulations for the length of time a doctor can prescribe medical narcotics. Nevertheless, the group of patients who suffer from chronic pain still require instant relief to cope with their debilitating injuries. So, what is more dangerous: having to look for treatment elsewhere or using potentially addictive substances?
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Always remember that 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 drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
