Opioids are a leading source of addiction and overdose deaths in the U.S. Understanding the opioid epidemic requires understanding what opioids are, the effects and consequences of opioid addiction, and important treatment information.
Casa Palmera professionals have the experience to provide treatment for individuals with opioid addiction. Understanding the opioid epidemic, and utilizing evidence-based, holistic, and traditional treatments provides the staff at Casa Palmera with the ability to help you or your loved one get started on the road to recovery.
The Opioid Epidemic History and Facts
Understanding the opioid epidemic helps if you look at the history of opioid misuse and addiction in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that there have been three distinct ‘waves’ of opioid-related deaths in the U.S. The first wave started during the 1990s when there was a significant increase in the number of prescriptions written for opioids. The CDC states that the increase in the number of prescriptions written for opioids continues today. However, there has been a recent effort to reduce the number of opioid medications prescribed by doctors.
The second wave started in 2010, according to the CDC, with a dramatic increase in the number of heroin-related deaths.
Knowing the third wave is part of understanding the opioid epidemic. It began in 2013 and involved a large increase in the number of opioid-related deaths attributed to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) points to the fact that the increase in prescriptions written for opioid medications led to substantial misuse and addiction before professionals realized the highly addictive nature of these drugs.
Opioid Drugs
Knowing the drugs that contribute to the crisis helps in understanding the opioid epidemic. Drug dealers sell both prescription drugs and synthetic opioids. Others, such as individuals that receive the prescription from their doctor and teenagers that steal pills from the medicine cabinet, have the potential for developing an opioid addiction. Young adults in need of treatment, as well as older adults, risk addiction and death from opioids.
Some commonly abused opioids include:
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
Opioid Epidemic Effects and Consequences
There are devastating, widespread effects of opioid addiction. Knowing these statistics likely helps in understanding the opioid epidemic. Some statistics from the HHS and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) include:
- The economic burden of prescription opioid abuse is an estimated $78.5 billion annually
- Approximately 80 percent of heroin users first abused prescription opioids
- Approximately two million people reportedly had an opioid use disorder during 2018
- More than 15,000 people died from heroin overdoses in the 12 months ending February 2019
- Opioid overdoses increased by 54 percent in large cities across several states
- There were nearly 33,000 deaths attributed to synthetic opioids in the 12 months ending February 2019
When you or your loved one need help to get back on track from the effects of opioid addiction, the Casa Palmera team is here for you. We provide residential treatment, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and many other treatment programs and services.
Opioid Addiction Treatment
Opioid addiction continues, with an increasing need for individuals addicted to opioids to enter treatment. Get answers to your questions about opioid treatment by contacting Casa Palmera. The treatment team determines your treatment needs and develops an individualized treatment plan for you. Every client receives care from an assigned physician, a licensed psychiatrist, and a substance abuse counselor.
The Casa Palmera accepts many major insurance plans, including Blue Cross, Aetna, Signa, and Anthem. Contact us to determine your insurance benefits and to learn how to start living your life free of opioids today.
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