In 2015, an estimated 2 million Americans suffered from substance abuse disorders that resulted from prescription opioid drugs. In fact, studies suggest that anywhere from 8-12% of prescription opioid prescribers will develop an opioid use disorder. As a result, thousands of people become addicted to opioid prescriptions every year. Hopefully, the following treatment options can be of service to those who are struggling with opioid addiction. Before you consider taking any steps, including changing your prescriptions, consult with a trusted doctor for what strategies might be right for you.
Taking Other Medications
One form of breaking the habit might come from controlled substance rehabilitation. In these programs, the patient takes lower doses or less powerful drugs to lessen their body’s reliance on the initial drug. While this might sound like trading one vice for another, these programs help people wean themselves off of dependence through a consistent decline in the strength of their medications. As a result, the patient may find themselves no longer requiring drugs to complete daily tasks.
In-Patient Treatment
Another form of substance rehabilitation comes from in-patient programs. These programs put an abuser in a controlled setting where he or she has limited access to the outside world.
During one of these programs, the patient can expect some or all of the following:
- Detoxification services;
- Group therapy;
- Individual therapy;
- Assessments;
- Relapse prevention training;
- Meals;
- Lodging.
Therapy
Some people incidentally become addicted to opioid prescriptions because of other things going on in their lives. They are irresponsibly prescribed opioid drugs to deal with minor pains, but when that pain is gone, the patient continues to take the opioids. They take the prescription opioids to feel better about stressful home, work, or social problems. As a result, the patient becomes addicted to the drugs because they help him or her escape from seemingly inescapable problems. Therapy may be able to help people talk through their problems, deal with their underlying issues, and get to a place of independence from opioid abuse.
There are a number of ways in which someone can deal with his or her addiction, and patients should consider proven solutions to get clean. Often it is a doctor’s negligence in prescribing unnecessary drugs that cause the addiction. This can lead to a perpetual cycle of addiction and addictive behavior. However, legal action can be taken to hold a doctor accountable for their negligence!
If you a loved one was injured by or became addicted to prescription opioid drugs, you may be eligible to fight for just compensation. Call (314) 241-2929 now for a free consultation.
