Are you considering treatment at an opiate rehab center in Ohio? If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, it’s time to seek out help. America’s opioid crisis claims 130 lives every single day. Ohio ranks second in the nation for opioid deaths, and that’s not the only statistic on the rise in the Buckeye State. The number of fentanyl-related crimes is also increasing every year.
Why Treatment is Important
Addiction is a complex medical condition, and complex problems require complex solutions. When people with a substance abuse disorder attempt to quit on their own, they’re not only setting themselves up for failure but also putting themselves in physical danger.
Detoxing from opioids is an unpleasant process. The symptoms of withdrawal can be excruciating. Medical detox can lessen discomfort while increasing the likelihood of a successful recovery.
A medical detox is an approach that combines psychological and pharmacological treatments. A supervised detox greatly reduces the chance of relapse.
Treatment Options
Opioid addiction is not new. What’s changing is the way the world perceives people with a substance abuse disorder. Addiction was once treated as a choice. Substance abusers were shunned by society, and the problem was never discussed publicly.
As attitudes about addiction evolve so do the available treatments. There is no one size fits all solution. The 12 step program might work for one person and not the other. Modern treatment centers offer a range of treatment options.
Inpatient treatment has the highest success rates, but not everyone can commit to a residential program. Fortunately, there are other options. Outpatient therapy, counseling, Narcotics Anonymous, holistic therapies and recreational therapies are a great fit for people with a strong support system at home.
What Happens After Treatment?
Seeking treatment is the first step in a life long process. There is no magical cure for addiction. Getting clean is an achievement that should be celebrated, but it’s important to continue treatment.
There are underlying causes to substance abuse. Many of these causes are psychological. In order to remain clean and sober, addicts need to address these issues.
During treatment, addicts should be evaluated for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and schizophrenia. People who suffer from a mental health condition are more susceptible to addiction. It’s important that these conditions are monitored after initial treatment ends.
Drug Court
Drug courts are a new approach to addressing the opioid crisis. For years the justice system imprisoned addicts, preventing them from getting proper treatment and increasing the likelihood that they will continue using drugs upon release.
Instead of sentencing drug offenders to prison time, judges can now require addicts to enroll in treatment. Drug court participants can work and contribute to society while they undergo treatment.
Police, lawyers and judges from around the country agree that drug courts are having a positive effect on the opioid crisis. Drug courts are also cost-effective. Treatment is less expensive than the cost of housing an inmate for months at a time.
Combating the Opioid Epidemic
Despite increasing efforts to curb opioid abuse, opiate overdoses still on the rise. Fighting the opioid epidemic has to be a collaborative effort. Lawmakers, pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals need to come together to prevent drug abuse.
CVS pharmacies are doing their part to counteract opioid abuse. Medication disposal stations are available in most CVS pharmacies. Customers can dispose of unused medications, so they won’t be abused by addicts.
CVS is also partnering with schools to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse. Kids are often exposed to misinformation about drug abuse online. Teens are more likely to make smart decisions when they have accurate information.
Google is another company stepping up to save lives. Google Maps provides directions to the nearest medication disposal station. Preventing prescription abuse is a key battle in the war against drugs.
The opioid epidemic is not going to end overnight. If you want to make a difference, contact your local representative and ask for legislation that focuses on treatment over punishment. Work with your local school district and police department to keep kids off drugs. Most importantly, treat people with substance abuse orders with respect. They need all the support they can get.
