Did you know that approximately 130 people in the United States die every day from an opioid overdose? If this statistic alone isn’t enough to make you shiver, you may want to keep reading.
The risks of painkillers can be both mentally and physically taxing, it’s time to put an end to the opioid epidemic.
What are Painkillers?
Opioids are drugs often prescribed by doctors to relieve chronic or temporary pain. These can be administered by professional physicians or taken at home. They can also include some drugs made illicitly, such as heroin or opium.
Because certain drugs can be prescribed and taken at home, there is the possibility of overdose. Even with a doctor’s prescription, patients can become dependent on their medication, causing addiction.
There are various drug addiction programs that specialize in opioid use. In fact, about 21-28% of individuals prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. This can lead to addiction – in which case treatment is necessary.
Dependence on opioids can not only call for rehab to escape addiction, but it can also cause some serious health problems.
Health Risks of Taking Prescription Opioids
Some of the physical effects of opioid addiction include:
- flu-like symptoms
- irregular sleep
- slower breathing
- Sweating
- muscle aches
- weight-loss
Other side effects of opioid use include nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and hypoxia.
The long-term health risks are drastic. The most, of course, is fatal overdose. After dependence on the substance has escalated, it is possible that an overdose can occur, even unintentionally.
Along with death, infection and hepatitis C can occur – specifically in heroin users who inject the substance into their bloodstream.
How Addiction Can Affect Your Life
The risks of painkillers do not stop with physical effects but can also come with mental effects as well.
Those who use opioids are 10 times more likely to use inpatient mental health services. They are also more likely to exhibit a higher rate of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Some of the social factors include avoiding contact with loved ones, loss of interest in hobbies, irritability, isolation, and missing important obligations.
However, concerning the risks of opioid addiction may be, there is hope in recovery. Rehab is a great option for those struggling to get out of substance abuse.
If you are skeptical about rehab in general, you may want to look into rehab success rates. There is more success in rehab than most people think.
Not only does opioid addiction affect the user, but it also affects those closest to them. Rehab may be the best option for everyone’s wellbeing.
Seeking Help for Painkillers
Rehab can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are worried about the expense, take a look at what your insurance can help you with. Start by searching something like “GEHA drug rehab” online to find out what your plan entails.
One of the first steps in recovery from substance abuse is learning about the available treatment options.
Qualified addiction centers will also teach you healthy habits that you can apply in your daily life to ensure long-term sobriety. This often includes yoga or tai chi as an active form of meditation, or more restful mindfulness techniques to help balance emotions and handle cravings.
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The risks of opioid use are staggering. From health effects to mental risks, opioids are taking a major toll on people looking to relieve their pain.
Not only do opioid addictions affect the user, but they also affect everyone around them as well.
So, if you or a loved one struggles with opioid addiction, there are resources to turn to. The Hope House, a luxury rehab in Arizona is dedicated to holistic wellness and personalized care. Taking the time to research rehab or other treatment options is a great way to begin the journey to recovery.
Emily Galvin is an author on behalf of The Hope House, a luxury rehab located in Scottsdale, Arizona dedicated to holistic wellness and long-term sobriety.
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