The damage wrought by the American opioid epidemic is positively startling. With more than 40,000 opioid overdose deaths occurring every year, more than breast cancer or the bloodiest year of the Vietnam war, the public health crisis has become a full-blown emergency. To address the specific issue of overdose, it is worthwhile to look into what causes some people with an opioid prescription to seek out more drugs through illegal means.
A recent study did exactly that. Researchers conducted interviews with 267 patients being treated for addiction, about half of which said they had been addicted to painkillers prior to using heroin. The study revealed a variety of reasons that lead to respondents’ escalating addiction, primarily the low cost and wide accessibility of heroin.
While these responses are disheartening, as heroin is considered to be more dangerous than prescription painkillers, there may be practical solutions, such as changes to the costs and availability of prescription medication. In addition, as this phenomenon appeared to be stronger in some parts of the country than other, further study of these differences may also lead to more policy recommendations.
If you are concerned that you or someone you love may be developing an addiction to prescription painkillers or opioids, you should speak with a certified addiction specialist at the earliest opportunity.
At Asana Recovery, we offer a supervised detoxification and residential treatment program in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
