Opioid Addiction: Facts, Statistics, and How to Work Through It

How addictive are opioids? How likely are addicts to relapse? What are effective treatments? What is Suboxone treatment? These are questions many are facing in today’s world as opioid abuse rates are seemingly higher than ever. Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental in the United States and over 20,000 accidental deaths in 2015 were due to an overdose on opioids.

So, what can be done about this epidemic? If you are looking to learn more, please read below.

What are Opioids?

So, what makes a drug an opioid? Well, opioids consist of illegal drugs, like heroin, and they can also come in the form of legally prescribed drugs, such as oxycodone, morphine, and more. They provide both relief from pain and a euphoric effect, which is why so many people find it hard to stop taking them, even after their pain is gone.

Should someone become addicted to opioids, you may be wondering about possible treatment options. That’s where Suboxone treatment comes into play. But what is Suboxone treatment and are there high costs involved with it? We’ll get to that, but first let’s look at the withdrawal symptoms one is prone to face.

Withdrawal From Opioids

When it comes to short-acting opioids, the worst symptoms usually occur around one to three days after the last dose was taken. Over the course of the week, the intensity will lessen, but chronic symptoms will still likely occur. This could include insomnia, dysphoria, anxiety, and more. These could last for weeks, or even months.

What can you expect in terms of initial withdrawal symptoms? The detoxing process is known for its challenges. More severe withdrawals will trigger goosebumps and a fever, and you can expect nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, as well. As time goes on, it is not uncommon for depression, cravings, and agitation to develop.

Because withdrawal can be an intense and exhausting process, it is advised to get help and support from medical professionals who can monitor your progress. For those who attempt to go it alone, the rates of relapse are about 95%.

Suboxone Treatment

Overcoming an opioid addiction is never easy, but there are solutions out there for those looking for ways to work this through the process. One thing that aids many addicts who are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms is Suboxone treatment.

What is Suboxone treatment? It is basically a way of weaning yourself off of opioids in a way that is more subtle and less painful. That being said, it should be done with medical supervision and counseling to ensure you experience the most positive and successful results.

Finding the Right Solutions for You

If you feel that you may be addicted to opioids, there is no better time than now to seek the help you need to start working towards recovery. Visit a detox doctor or speak with your family practice doctor to start a treatment that would work best for you.