You go to the dentist for a toothache. You end up needing a tooth extracted and get prescribed an opioid to manage the pain. Unfortunately you’re prescribed more pills than needed and end up taking one every day. You start to enjoy the feeling of the pill and don’t even realize you keep taking them every day; popping one in the morning has become habitual.
Flash forward six months you’re now buying painkillers on the street because you can no longer get a prescription. You’re starting to underperform at work, you haven’t seen your friends in a while, and people keep asking you if somethings wrong due to your appearance. You never thought that toothache would be the catalyst for an opioid addiction but it was.
Understanding the Severity of the Opioid Epidemic
The current opioid epidemic in America is the result of extremely addictive drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin. Some of the brand names you may be familiar with are OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percodan.
These medications are effective at reducing pain but again, are extremely addictive. They aren’t intended to be used for long term pain management but due to how easily accessible they are, and how commonly prescribed, people end up abusing them in the long run.
Opioid overdoses are also becoming a leading cause of death in the United States. It’s estimated that over 67,000 people died from drug overdose in 2018. That’s more deaths than those caused by car accidents. Seventy percent of drug overdose deaths in recent times are caused by opioids.
Ways to Fight the Opioid Epidemic
Fortunately, there is some progress being made in fighting the devastating opioid epidemic. Between the years 2017 and 2018, opioid overdose deaths actually decreased by four percent.
Spread awareness of opioid addiction
Probably the most important thing to do is to make society aware of the opioid epidemic in order to fight back. Those who are aware of the seriousness of opioid addiction can start to recognize it in some and hopefully prevent it in others. Anyone who is aware of the addictive nature of opioids can also be careful when taking painkillers themselves.
For those who have someone in their life who is addicted to opioids and scared they are going to overdose, Narcan, can easily be purchased from a pharmacist at a local Walgreens, CVS, etc.
Prescribe opiate painkillers more carefully
A lot of addicts unfortunately develop an addiction because they were overprescribed the drugs. About 80 percent of those who become addicted to opioids were first exposed to them from a prescription.
Doctors are now more careful when prescribing opioids and also exploring alternative pain management methods; acupuncture, chiropractic, and exercise just to name a few.
Providing rehab services for impacted individuals
Anyone who is addicted to opioids often requires rehab to overcome the addiction. Opioid addiction can frequently lead to an extreme physical dependence. Coming off opioids is dangerous for those who are severely addicted. The safest way to detox from opioids is under the care of medical professionals at a detoxification center. Once safely detoxed, recovering addicts can complete an inpatient residential treatment to learn how to live without opioids.
Thanks to modern-day technology and federal and state government funding, addiction treatment is now becoming way more accessible to anyone who needs it.
See Purpose Is Fighting Back
At See Purpose in Indiana, we offer addiction treatment for anyone struggling with drugs or alcohol. We’re on a mission to fight the opioid epidemic that is plaguing America. If you or someone you know has a problem with addiction, reach out to us for more information on how to get help!
