Learn About Our Mission
Our CommunityCompasionate & Caring
Tour our FacilityModern & Luxurious
Contact UsGet in Touch Today
Why Choose UsWe Are Accredited
Privacy PolicyWe Take Privacy Seriously
Meet The TeamExperts in Addiction Treatment
Editorial PolicyTrustworthy Information
Drug & Alcohol Rehab New JerseyPerson-Centered Care
Addiction & Recovery BlogHelping Educate Individuals
Explore Our Resource Library
Addiction is a DiseaseThe Disease of Addiction
Signs of AddictionLearn the Signs & Symptoms
Families & AddictionHow Addiction Impacts the Family
Detox ProgramsFind Your Medical Detox Options
Inpatient ProgramsIs Inpatient Rehab Right for You?
Can You Get Fired for Going to Rehab?Know Your Rights and How to Get Help
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)How You Can Go to Rehab Without Loosing Your Job
Learn More About Our Partial Day Program
Intensive Outpatient ProgramDiscover Flexibility in Treatment
Outpatient ProgramHigh-Quality Outpatient Treatment
Co-Occurring DisordersTreating Dual-Diagnosis Conditions
Relapse PreventionExplore How RHRC Approaches Relapse Prevention
First Responders ProgramOur Exclusive Program for First Responders
Veterans ProgramServing Those Who Serve Us
Professionals ProgramA Program Designed for Working Professionals
Learn More About the Benefits of Group Therapy
Individual TherapyDiscover How Individual Therapy Works
Cognitive Behavioral TherapyFind Out How CBT Can Help Treat Addiction
Dialectical Behavioral TherapyThe Benefits of DBT in Addiction Treatment
Recreational TherapyTake a Look at Our Recreational Activities at RHRC
Art TherapyFind Freedom in Creative Expression
Music TherapyMusic Can Help Heal Your Soul
Yoga TherapyLearn How Yoga Can Help You Recover
Reiki TherapyLearn More About the Art of Reiki
Massage TherapyDiscover the Benefits of Massage Therapy
Equine TherapyCheck Out Our Equine Therapy Offerings
PTSD & Trauma TherapyTreat the Root Causes of Addiction
Learn about effective treatment strategies for opioid addiction and its impact on health and society.
According to a Stanford-Lancet Commission report on North America’s opioid epidemic, the opioid crisis has claimed over 600,000 lives since 1999. Besides, an estimated 1.2 million Americans and Canadians will die from opiate overdoses by the decade’s end.
Opioid drugs, when used as prescribed by your physician, may effectively manage acute pain, such as the kind you might feel after surgery. However, when these drugs are taken inappropriately, they can be fatal. Here are some facts and figures on opioids.
The number of people dying from opioid overdoses has increased more than sixfold since 1999.
During the 12 months ending in April 2021, the overdose fatalities caused by opioids grew to 75,673, an upsurge from 56,064 the previous year.
Increasing the number of people with opioid use disorder who have access to effective therapies may save anywhere from $25,000 to $105,000 in total expenses per person.
Synthetic opioids account for more than 60% of all overdose fatalities.
Healthcare expenditure for opioid overdose, abuse, and addiction is more than $35 billion annually.
Hospitals spend roughly $2 billion treating patients who have overdosed on opioids every year.
The criminal justice system spends nearly $15 billion daily dealing with opioid addiction.
It is estimated that opioid misuse costs the economy $92 billion in lost economic productivity. This is attributable to treating opioid use disorders and imprisonment for opioid-related offenses.
Opioids are synthetic (artificial) and semi-synthetic substances that bind to the brain’s opioid receptors. These substances are extracted from poppy seeds. An opioid drug has analgesic and sedative properties and is used for pain treatment.
The most often prescribed opioids include codeine, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol, OxyContin, morphine, hydrocodone, Percocet, and others. Some other opioids (e.g., street heroin) are illicit substances. One of the primary reasons people consume opioids for non-medical purposes is that they may generate euphoria after intake.
If you don’t take the medication exactly as prescribed by your physician, you may find that its side effects lead you to want to continue using it regularly. Your brain eventually changes over time to acquire a solid and compulsive desire to use these painkillers even when you are not feeling any pain.
Surgeries.
Dental treatments and toothaches.
Cancer pain management.
Injuries.
Some over-the-counter cough medicines also have opioids in them. Opioids work by reducing the number of pain signals sent from the body to the brain, changing how the brain reacts to pain. As long as they are used correctly, opioids are safe. However, if you take too much of the drug, you could become addicted.
Opioid abuse generally involves taking more than the recommended dosage or using it for recreational purposes. Naturally, abusing opioids leads to opioid use disorder (OUD).
An opioid use disorder (OUD) is a self-destructive practice of using opioids that leads to adverse mental and physical health problems, including tolerance and severe withdrawal from the substance. Let’s look at the short-term effects of opioids on the user before diving further into OUD.
Commonly prescribed opioids can cause a wide variety of immediate effects. The most common short-term side effects are flushing, drowsiness, an itchy rash, disorientation, dry mouth, vomiting, and nausea.
Lethargy.
Mental fog.
Constipation.
Headache.
Respiratory depression.
Feeling of euphoria.
An opioid overdose is possible if you consume too much of these substances. This is a life-threatening medical issue. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
Unresponsiveness (inability to wake up).
Vomiting.
Small pupils.
Breathing slowly or irregularly.
Inability to breath.
A slow, irregular pulse or none at all.
Passing out.
Opioid overdose victims need prompt medical attention. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you have any reason to believe someone overdoses on opioids.
Because doctors are now aware of the dangers of opioids, it might be challenging to convince your physician to raise your dosage or even refill your prescription. Sadly, some opioid addicts, having failed to get more drug supply from their doctor, switch to heroin or other illicit drugs. In some instances, illegally acquired substances like fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, and Fentora) are combined with more potent opioids, such as heroin, making the situation even worse.
A patient navigator is ready to help. Our team of dedicated professionals are here to help 24 hours a day.
An opioid use disorder indicates that you have developed an opioid addiction and cannot function “normally” without it.
OUD is present when two or more of the following emerge within one year according to the DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition:
Taking more drugs or for a longer length of time than was prescribed.
Persistent desire to reduce or regulate opioid consumption but failed attempts.
Having to spend significant effort in getting, using, and recovering from the effects of opioids.
A strong desire, urge or drive to take opioids.
Having difficulties meeting duties at home, work, or school.
Continued opioid usage in the face of recurrent social or interpersonal problems.
Opioid usage causes you to cut down on or give up on your favorite hobbies.
Using opioids in potentially dangerous situations.
When physical or psychological issues persist, that is likely to have been aggravated or caused by opioids.
Tolerance.
Having withdrawal symptoms or using opioids or other substances to alleviate or ease withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment for prescription drug abuse varies, but it may entail stopping the usage under what is known as medical detox or medication-assisted treatment (MAT). To ease the symptoms of acute withdrawal and cravings, drugs such as methadone may be prescribed. Don’t take any MAT drug without the guidance of an addiction specialist.
Most people find the most success when a therapist resorts to combining medicine with talk therapies (whether done in an inpatient or outpatient setting). Treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), family therapy, and group therapy are some of the evidence-based choices available at Rolling Hills Recovery Center.
Our experienced staff is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. Call today and change your tomorrow.
Our caring treatment navigators are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to help you or your loved one. When you call Rolling Hills Recovery Center you can trust that you will find the help you need – at no cost or obligation to choose our program. Get started right now.
Our clinical and medical teams review your personal history and circumstances in order to determine the best treatment plan based on your needs.
During intake you will be asked some more questions about your background & medical history. This allows us to fully formulate your treatment plan.
One of our caring team members will take you around the clinical facilities and introduce you to the rest of our team and current community.
We know that the first day of treatment can be overwhelming for anyone. We work with you to ensure you ease yourself into the treatment process.
Anyone who uses opioids runs the danger of becoming addicted to them. Your family history and the amount of time you take opioids are factors, but it’s hard to predict who will become addicted to and misuse these medications in the future. Whether legal or illicit, shared or stolen, these drugs are responsible for many overdose fatalities in the United States today.
Suppose you or a loved one is contemplating using any opioid to relieve pain. In that case, it is critical to consult with a practicing anesthesiologist, medical doctor, addiction specialist, or another pain expert about how to use them safely and whether or not other treatment alternatives are available for your situation.
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/what-led-to-the-opioid-crisis-and-how-to-fix-it/
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20211117.htm
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2778020
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33121867/
https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/106053/cdc_106053_DS1.pdf
https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/education-docs/dsm-5-dx-oud-8-28-2017.pdf
Written By:
Mental Health Writer
Angel Alexander is certified in mental health studies and mental health coaching. Angel has over nine years of freelance writing experience and seven years in mental health and substance abuse writing. Angel is currently in her 2nd year of studies at Wallace Community College for the study of psychology.
Medically Reviewed By:
Expert Contributor
Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.
Opioid withdrawal is challenging. Recognize symptoms, understand opioid effects on the brain, and seek support for effective management.
Learn about opioid addiction treatment options, including MAT, therapy, and inpatient vs. outpatient rehab.
Recognizing opioid overdose signs is essential. Understand symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies to address and reduce overdose risks.
Prescription opioid addiction in healthcare workers is driven by access and stress. Recognize signs of impairment and addiction patterns.
Choosing an opioid rehab center involves understanding addiction, treatment options, and factors like location and accreditation.
Learn about OxyContin addiction and its signs: mixing with other drugs, rising doses, dependency, and physical changes.
Check if insurance covers opioid rehab and the types of plans available, including Medicaid and Medicare.
Opioid addiction is rising. Understand opioids, their medical use, symptoms of addiction, and factors contributing to their high addiction potential.