Opioids are prescription medications used to relieve pain. They may also be referred to as painkillers. Many times opioids are prescribed by doctors for patients who recently underwent surgery and may have severe pain during recovery. They may also be prescribed to treat chronic or acute pain, as well as cough and diarrhea.
If taken exactly as prescribed, opioids are completely safe and can manage pain effectively. If they are abused, however, they can lead to addiction. Among prescription drug abuse, opioids are the most abused medication by young adults and teens. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that Vicodin, a type of opioid, is the most abused prescription drug (after marijuana) among young adults.
Specific types of opioids include:
Taking opioids can cause negative side effects such as drowsiness, constipation and breathing problems. When opioids are abused or large doses are taken, they can cause severe breathing complications and even death. They should not be combined with alcohol or other medications that may also slow breathing, such as barbiturates and antihistamines, because the combination could result in life-threatening respiratory problems.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Even though opioids are the most abused prescription drugs among young adults and teens, fewer than 12 percent of teens with opioid addiction receive treatment. This is a sad reality. What makes this fact even worse is the reason for lack of treatment – the most common reason teens cited for not receiving treatment for opioids addiction is the belief that treatment is not needed. Many individuals are unaware or in denial of their opioid addiction. Therefore, loved ones can play a major role in helping the addicted individual accept and seek proper treatment and recovery.>
Other common reasons young adults avoid opioid addiction treatment include:
- Not ready to stop using
- Do not want others to find out about the addiction
- Do not want neighbors to have negative opinions about them
- Believe problem can be handled without treatment
- Concerned about the cost of treatment
- Do not know where to seek treatment
Talbott Recovery understands the challenges of accepting and pursuing prescription drug abuse treatment. We offer a variety of addiction programs in the Atlanta, Dunwoody and Columbus, GA areas that can fit you or your loved one’s specific situation. You are not alone.
Opioid addiction does not have to win. You can get your life back, or help your loved one get their life back, with opioid addiction treatment that really works. If you’re ready to take the next step, do not hesitate to contact Talbott Recovery to see if our programs are right for you or your loved one. Get in touch with us today.
