One of the biggest worldwide problems is addictions to opiates. What may start as an innocent means to reduce pain after an accident or surgery suddenly changes and takes over one’s ability to move forward without the substance. Opioids in Walker County AL are a huge problem, but there is hope and a road to recovery if one has the desire to make the change.
What is an Opiate?
An opiate is a drug made from opium or one of its derivatives. It can mask the feeling of pain, but it can also cause dependency in some people. Opiates are often prescribed for patients after surgery to reduce pain, but they should not be taken for an extended amount of time due to their addictive properties.
How Addiction Happens
Addiction to an opiate can happen to anyone. When a person takes an opioid medication, it creates artificial endorphins in the brain that provide a feeling of warmth and comfort. The problem is that, over time, the body will stop producing its endorphins and demand that the individual take more of the opiate medication to find the same sensation of feeling good. Without warning, individuals unexpectedly find themselves craving the medication, and addiction has begun.
Treatment
Treatment for opiate addiction can be difficult, but not impossible. Counseling and medication-assisted treatments offer positive results for patients who stick with the program. Rewiring the brain to remove the dependency on an opiate can be a long and complicated process, which is why it’s so important to attend all doctor appointments and counseling sessions during the critical first four to six weeks of recovery. Since a craving for opiates may resurface at some point in the future, follow-up treatment and support groups can provide help with remaining drug-free.
When a person is dealing with a dependency on Opioids in Walker County AL, there is a way out. Seeking treatment with a professional who is devoted to patient recovery can provide the means to kick the addiction and to see the light at the end of the tunnel. To find out what services are offered to assist with turning around an opiate dependency, please contact us for more information.
