Opioids, which include both legal and illegal substances, have reached epidemic levels in America. In fact, the government is taking action to fix this growing problem in 2018. With opioid addiction statistics, we can utilize data to recognize the severity of the problem and who it affects.
What Are Opioids?
Specifically, opioids are a class of drugs that include the illicit drug heroin and prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. Moreover, opioids act on opioid receptors for the treatment of moderate, mild, or severe pain. They are frequently recommended for immediate relief, as well. However, how have opioids lead to addiction problems in America? In fact, many people begin abuse through a prescription. Many users will begin to develop a tolerance to opioids which leads to taking more than prescribed.
As a result, they begin to abuse the drug for its pleasurable effects and develop an addiction. Once their prescription runs out, they will look to alternatives or “doctor shopping.” For example, many people begin taking opioids for pain relief, but once the pain is gone, they continue using. Once their prescription is up, they may look to alternatives on the street, such as heroin. In addition, four out of five heroin users began with prescription painkillers.
Behind the Numbers: Opioid Addiction Statistics
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, two million people had a substance use disorder on prescription painkillers in 2015, while over 500,000 had a substance use disorder involving heroin. As you can see, these alarming numbers show you exactly how opioids have negatively impacted society today. Moreover, opioid addiction led to 20,101 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers, and 12,990 overdose deaths related to heroin in 2015. These staggering numbers make the necessity of proper addiction treatment that much more valuable. However, many people facing addiction fail to enter rehab due to fear or unease. By neglecting treatment, users are more likely to relapse or overdose.
Opioid Treatment at Silver Pines Treatment Center
At Silver Pines in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, our supportive staff is here to guide you on a path to sobriety through your detox symptoms to rehab. In fact, your rehab and recovery is attainable through support, therapy, treatment, and education. At our facility, you’ll learn how to overcome the challenges of addiction by developing coping skills and relapse prevention techniques. Furthermore, programs at Silver Pines include:
- Detox programs
- Nutrition education
- Addiction therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapya
- Family therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Opioid addiction rehab
Are you ready to overcome opioid addiction for good? If so, look no further than the experienced team at Silver Pines Treatment Center. Don’t allow yourself to become a mark on the opioid addiction statistics. Contact us today at 267.209.7313 to learn more about our admissions process.