There’s no doubt that opioid abuse in our country is getting out of control. Every year, more people struggle with opioid use and addiction. To avoid becoming a victim of the opioid epidemic, follow these guidelines.
Avoid All Illegal Opiates
Opiates come in many forms. Some opiates are prescription drugs. Also known as synthetic opioids, doctors prescribe these painkillers for chronic or severe pain. Other opiates are illegal, and are never meant to be consumed.
Heroin is an example of an illegal opiate. Heroin isn’t federally regulated, which means you never know what you’re taking or how strong it really is. You might think that the heroin you take is a certain strength or dose, but it could be much more than you imagine.
This can increase tolerance quickly, which in turn causes an addiction. Since potency can vary so much from one heroin supplier to the next, it can also lead to an overdose. While prescription opiates have a medical purpose, there’s never a good reason for trying any illegal opioid drugs.
Never Use Opioid Drugs Recreationally
A big part of the opioid epidemic relates back to legitimate prescriptions. Even when doctors and physicians have the best intentions, they prescribe the drugs too often, creating a surplus of opiates that are bought and sold illegally. Doctor shopping, which is when individuals go to more than one location to get prescriptions, is another serious problem in our country. With so many prescription opioid problems, no one should ever make matters worse by taking these pills recreationally.
Some individuals take opioids not because of chronic pain, but because they want to experience some kind of euphoria. They might take the drugs illicitly just to feel some of the side effects. Doing this is dangerous, not to mention irresponsible. Taking these highly addictive substances for fun is flirting with addiction, and it increases the risk of overdose, addiction, and even a drug-related fatality.
Follow Medical Guidelines When Taking Prescription Opioids
Sometimes, it’s necessary to take prescription painkillers. In emergency situations, or after a surgery, these prescription drugs can increase comfort significantly. However, people should only consume opioid drugs under proper medical supervision and instruction.
Additionally, individuals should only take the recommended dose. Skipping a dose, and then taking a double dose, increases tolerance and leads to addiction. It’s also dangerous to crush pills or tablets before consumption. Mixing prescription opiates with any other substances can also be dangerous.
Don’t Fall Victim to the Opioid Epidemic
Even if you’re careful, it’s still possible to develop a dependence on prescription opioids. No matter how your dependence developed, the sooner you can get rehab treatment, the better.
When it comes to addiction treatment, look for facilities who use some of the following approaches and methods:
- Daily clinical care centered around a reality therapy model
- Access to acupuncture, yoga classes, and holistic therapy approaches
- Nutritional therapy
- Continual care that includes a step down into an Intensive Outpatient Program
To combat an opioid addiction, proper treatment is a necessity. At Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, North Carolina, you can make the changes you need to confront an addiction once and for all. Call 866.327.2505 to begin planning your road to recovery.