Is there an actual opioid epidemic? Do I need to enter an opioids drug rehab? Chances are if you are asking yourself these questions, the answer is “yes”. Opioids are central nervous system depressants that work with the opioid receptors in your brain. They can be either synthetic or natural and are related to those parts of the brain that involve feelings of reward, pain, and well-being. These three sensations are closely related to addiction. Opiates are the natural-occurring substances that are derived from the flowering poppy seed plant. They include heroin, codeine, and morphine. Opiates are also opioids. Synthetic opioids include fentanyl, oxycodone, Vicodin, and Percocet.
The opioid epidemic is still a major cause for concern in this country. There is major government interaction with the public currently, and it seems that people are waking up to the dangers of opioids. Getting treatment at an opioids drug rehab is critical if you’ve been abusing.
Are People Still Developing Addictions At Alarming Rates?
It appears that doctors have begun closer monitoring of opioid abuse. In most states, paper prescriptions are a thing of the past due to the theft by opioid abusers. Also, the stigma attached to needing an opioid addiction treatment center has lessened. The public is aware that this is a health crisis and decriminalization is underway. Here are some statistics according to Drug Abuse.gov. The statistics are from 2018, though the page was revised as recently as February 2020.
- Every single day in 2018, 128 people in America died from an opioid overdose
- In 2017, 1.7 million people had a substance use disorder related to prescription opioid drug use
- 652,000 people had a heroin addiction that year
- 21% to 29% of people abused their prescription opioids
- Of those abusers, 8 to 12% went on to have an opioid addiction
- 4 to 6% of those who abused their prescription opioids went on to heroin use
- 80% of people who use heroin began their opioid addiction with a prescription opioid
- There was a 30% increase in opioid overdose deaths from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 different areas, in 45 different states
- The Midwest had a 70% increase in opioid deaths from July 2016 through September 2017
- Large cities saw an increase of 54% of opioid deaths in 16 different states
Is The Opioid Epidemic Continuing
These statistics suggest that the opioid epidemic is continuing. Substance abuse treatment programs have heeded the call and have specific treatments for opioid addiction. Awareness of the problem has highlighted how easy this addiction can start. That is not a comfort for those who have suffered the loss of loved ones. That is not comforting if you are in the midst of an opioid addiction yourself. However, for those who have not started to use opioids, there is a strong word of caution here.
Just because you receive a Vicodin prescription does not mean that you will become addicted. However, it is imperative to know the risks involved.
The Time To Get Help For Your Opioid Addiction Is Now!
Because opioids suppress the central nervous system, breathing can become shallow and overdose can lead to respiratory failure. If you have been abusing your opioid prescription the time to get help is right now. You can start by speaking with the doctor who is prescribing the medication. You can ask to reduce the opioid. Possibly try an alternative pain reliever. If this notion is difficult to ponder, then you may have already gone too far. Be honest with yourself. If you’ve developed an addiction, it is not going to disappear and vanish by itself. Treatment is necessary to get you back on track.
