Opioids are prescription painkillers that are used to treat many health conditions. The addictive nature of these drugs has led to a lot of discussion about the current opioid epidemic affecting America. How did this problem start? And furthermore, are you able to detect the signs of opioid addiction in a loved one?
Understanding the History of the Opioid Epidemic
In the 1800s and early 1900s, doctors didn’t understand the addictive nature of opioid medications. As a result, many veterans of the Civil War and other conflicts with painful injuries were among the first people to become dependent on these drugs. Within a couple of decades, doctors were becoming aware that opioid drugs came with a very high risk of dependency and addiction. Drugs that doctors once considered miracles regarding their pain relief powers were made illegal because of the high risk of abuse associated with them.
In the 1980s, doctors published a medical study that stated there was little risk of addiction when patients used prescription opioids as directed. At this point, many doctors became more comfortable prescribing these drugs for their patients dealing with chronic pain. As more types of opioid medications became available over the years, doctors prescribed the drugs much more often. Unfortunately, by the time medical professionals realized that the risk of addiction to these medications was quite high, millions of people had already been affected. The opioid epidemic continues to be a huge problem affecting people from all walks of life.
Signs of Opioid Abuse
The abuse of opioids results in many signs, including those in the following list:
Behavioral Changes
Those facing an opioid abuse problem may start to act differently than they did before. They might change their daily schedule, for example. Others may seem to switch quickly between a wide array of emotions.
Seeing Multiple Doctors
If they fear running out of their medication, those struggling with dependence may go to many different doctors for prescriptions.
Extreme Measures to Get Drugs
Lying or theft can also become a problem for those desperate to get more medication. Unfortunately, these behaviors can result in serious legal trouble.
Breakdown of Relationships
Behaviors such as lying and failing to perform vital obligations can result in severe damage to relationships. Poor communication is also a common issue among people dealing with a substance abuse disorder.
Gaining Effective Relief from an Addiction to Opioids
The opioid epidemic makes many to wonder what types of effective treatment options exist. Your treatment plan might include personal counseling, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and many other protocols. A combined approach is usually necessary to achieve the greatest success in long-term care.
Locating an effective rehab center might be easier than you think. Memphis Recovery Centers is a skilled drug abuse treatment facility located in Memphis, TN. By offering a wide selection of comprehensive rehab programs in a peaceful setting, each person can get the individualized care they need.
Don’t remain under the devastating influence of untreated addiction. The right drug rehab facility can provide you with the tools needed to overcome your challenges. Call 901-272-7751 to learn more about the rehab programs offered by Memphis Recovery.
