The United States is currently experiencing an opioid crisis as more than 110 people die from an opiate overdose in the country every day. Also, about 11.5 million Americans age 12 and above are abusing prescription medicine while over 900,000 of the population ages 12 and above are abusing heroin in 2016 alone.
From this disturbing number, 790 of those who died in 2016 from opioid overdose are residents of Arizona, which represents a 74% increase in opioid deaths since 2012. These statistics show how opioid-addicted individuals should immediately get treatment in any reputable Mesa Arizona drug rehab centers like ours at Addiction Recovery Centers.
Our treatment facility fully understands the terrible impact of substance abuse, particularly opiate addiction, on the lives of many people. We know that addiction does not only ruin the addicted person’s health but their relationships, dreams, and future as well.
What is Opioid Addiction?
Opioids are medications that work to relieve pain by lowering the number of pain signals that your body sends to your brain and by altering how your brain responds to pain. Opioid include both legal painkillers prescribed by doctors such as oxycodone or hydrocodone and illegal drugs like heroin.
When used correctly (per a doctor’s advice), opioids are generally safe. However, when people abuse them for whatever reason, they can eventually suffer from opioid addiction. Addiction will then cause changes in the chemistry of the brain and over time, the opioid-addicted individual will not only require an increased dosage to achieve the pleasurable effect but will also experience harsh withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it.
What are the Symptoms of Opioid Addiction?
If you are concerned about suffering from opioid addiction, several signs can tell you if you need to seek help from any reputable Mesa Arizona drug rehab centers like our addiction facility:
- You are taking the drug in larger dosage even if you no longer need it.
- You have been trying to quit using, but you are unsuccessful in stopping your drug use.
- You have serious cravings or urge to use the drug.
- You are still using the substance even though its use is causing social or interpersonal problems.
- Your life seems to revolve around opioid use as you are withdrawing from other occupation, social and other recreational activities.
- You cannot stop using the drug even though you are already experiencing physical or psychological problems.
- You are suffering from withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, mood swings, and diarrhea when you try to quit.
What is MAT for Opioid Addiction?
MAT is the use of medications with counseling to address substance use disorder and prevent opioid overdose. Research studies show that MAT is effective in improving patient survival, increase retention in treatment, and increase the drug-addicted person’s ability to gain and maintain employment, among others.
If you experience two or more of the signs of opioid addiction listed above, you should get in touch with us at Addiction Recovery Centers, immediately. Our professional and highly-skilled treatment team and staff are committed to assisting you in your recovery journey. Get in touch with us today for more information about our opioid addiction treatment program.