jeudi 27 avril 2017

How Opiate Addiction Treatment Can Save Lives

By Paul Peterson


There are countless people that are addicted to some substance. They can be found in any society, regardless of wealth, culture, religion or race. Many of these addicts live their entire lives focusing on where and when they will be getting their next batch of substances from. This is not true for addicts of illegal drugs only. Numerous people are addicted to seemingly innocent substances such as prescription pain killers. The only solution for such addicts is professional opiate addiction treatment.

Many agencies involved in health matters have said that the number of people addicted to prescription pain killers have risen dramatically over the past few years. There are many reasons for this trend. Pain killers are easy to obtain, often as simple as asking the doctor for a prescription. Using pain killers is not illegal and it is socially much more acceptable than the use of most other addictive substances.

The loved ones of substance abusers are often in the dark. They do not offer help or support because they do not know that a loved one is totally dependent upon a substance such as pain killers. There are some signs, however. Abusers often see different doctors and get their medication from various suppliers. The will also become irritable and even aggressive if they do not have enough pain killers at hand.

Even if there is no doubt whatsoever that a loved one is addicted to pain killers, no treatment program will help unless the addict himself admit that he has a serious problem and that he needs help in overcoming his addiction. Even then rehabilitation centres will only admit a patient once they are sure that the patient really wants to overcome his problem and that he is committed to the success of rehabilitation.

The first and often most difficult part of rehabilitation is the detoxification of the addict. Patients experience withdrawal symptoms, pain and often other side effects such as insomnia, nausea and excessive sweating. In addition, many patients become depressed and demotivated. During this phase medication to alleviate the side effects is prescribed only if truly deemed necessary because the patient must learn that medication cannot always solve problems.

As soon as the patient is completely detoxified the real rehabilitation program can begin. The patient will have to learn techniques to cope with life without needing help from addictive substances such as pain killers. Patients are taught how to prepare balanced meals, exercise properly and cope with stress. They are also encouraged to communicate their feelings when things are difficult.

After completion of the rehabilitation program the patient enters a very dangerous phase. He has to go on with his life, without the constant support he received during his rehabilitation. Patients can easily become addicted once more if they do not become part of active support groups immediate. During this time, the support and love of his family is of paramount importance.

People who become dependent upon prescription pain killers place their lives on the line. Many agencies have called for much stricter control over the availability of pain killers, but it is a lucrative market and it will be very difficult to control. It is up to each individual to take control of his own live and to resolve not to abuse any substance.




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