There are so many misconceptions when it comes to opioid addiction. For so many Americans, there was no intention of becoming addicted, but it progresses so quickly and intensely that it can be very challenging to prevent. There is a wide range of opioid-based medication that is prescribed daily to patients of all conditions. Predominantly for patients suffering from moderate to severe pain, there are drugs like codeine and oxycodone. The NIH estimates that in 2017, approximately 18 million Americans misused prescription medications. These people are looking for pain relief from their conditions and are unknowingly developing dependencies to that same medication.
The specialists at HOPE Recovery Clinics want to help people from all walks of life, fight and overcome opioid addiction. Our team offers incredibly supportive counseling as a part of our addictions therapy service, and always approach addiction through a lens of compassion and understanding. Our goal is the same as yours, to safely overcome opioid addiction, restore your quality of life, and help you live a happier, healthier life.
How Opioid Addiction Starts
As mentioned above, millions of American’s first encounter Opioids as a medicinal means for pain suppression. People that are living with chronic pain will often be prescribed an opioid-based medication to help suppress the pain and ease their minds. The problem is that these medications are dangerously addictive and it takes very little time for addiction to develop.
People who suffer from chronic pain, and therefore take pain medication for extended periods of time are much more likely to develop a tolerance, requiring them to take more than the prescribed dose in order to feel relief. Tolerance leads to misuse and that leads to physical dependency and addiction.
Addiction may begin to manifest itself into psychological dependence which will cause a person to make irrational decisions and choices that negatively affect their lives, for the short term goal of obtaining more opioids.
Addiction Can Happen to Anyone
There is often a stigma surrounding addiction, that only certain types of people are addicts. While some people have the misfortune of genetic traits that may leave them more likely to struggle with addictive tendencies, addiction can happen to anyone. There are addicts that have full-time jobs, families, and people who depend on them. Addiction happens slowly and silently, and every person handles it differently. According to the CDC, there were more than 191 million opioid prescriptions from 2012 to 2017. That goes to show how prolific and widespread prescription opioids have become.
HOPE Recovery’s Therapy Method
Our approach to helping people overcome their opioid addiction involves a combination of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to slowly and safely let your body adjust, while also offering supportive counseling services to help you through any personal or psychological challenges. Patients are required to pass a 12-panel test to prove their commitment to our program and ensure that medication is being taken as prescribed! This structure helps patients stay on track and achieve independence from their addiction.
Opioid Addiction Therapy in Shreveport, Louisiana
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, reach out to the experts at HOPE Recovery Clinic and take the first step towards overcoming your addiction. The sooner you act, the sooner you can be free of addiction and get your life back. We are here to help restore your quality of life, any way that we can! Call our offices for more information or book a consultation online today!