Drug use is shockingly common in the United States. People are not only addicted to illicit drugs, like heroin and meth, but also prescription drugs, like Xanax or Ativan. It's been estimated that over 90% of people who use heroin also use at least one other type of drug, marking heroin as a very intense type of gateway drug for some. Perhaps the biggest issue in the United States right now is the prevalence of opioid dependency. People are addicted to opioids for a variety of different reasons, but perhaps chief among them is the accessibility of the drugs. Opioids are often initially prescribed to people as painkillers, and after growing dependent on them, individuals will move on from legal prescriptions to illicit opioids.
With all of this in mind, it's no wonder that many Americans are currently seeking opioid dependence treatment. Yet despite the accessibility of that treatment, many people remain ignorant about the facts surrounding opioid dependence. With that being said, let's look into some of the things you need to know about this condition.
Some associate opioid dependency with certain sociological issues. They assume that opioid dependency only happens to people experiencing poverty. While it's true that those struggling with opioid dependency often do experience poverty, many people with opioid dependency issues have high incomes and upper-level jobs. Really, opioid addiction has less to do with how much you make, and more to do with your individual life circumstances.
Surprisingly enough, many of the people seeking opioid dependence treatment are athletes, whether collegiate or professional. This is because it's fairly common for athletes to be prescribed opioids after they've incurred sports injuries. This is again suggestive of how opioid addiction can happen to anyone.
While it's important that you work through your opioid addiction, you shouldn't do so alone. The good thing about a professional opioid dependence treatment program is that addicts can be medically and psychologically monitored. Withdrawal symptoms can be serious, and in some cases can even cause death.
You may be worried about paying for a substance abuse program. But the reality is that addiction causes financial ruin much faster. It causes that person to keep up a supply and that can be draining to one's bank account.
There are issues surrounding opioid abuse, and it's a complicated issue. But it must be dealt with head-on. If you have a loved one struggling with opioid addiction, we have resources to help you navigate those waters. If you are looking for help to manage your addiction, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.