Opioid-related drug overdoses cause more than 130 deaths each day. The misuse of and addiction to opioids is a serious national crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the estimated economic burden of prescription opioid misuse is around $78.5 billion a year for the United States. This accounts for the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
Fortunately, opioid overdose is preventable with the right education and treatment. Discovery Place is an organization that is committed to providing affordable, alternative drug and alcohol addiction recovery programs for men in Tennessee. With our guidance, guests will leave with a clear understanding of the disease alcoholism and drug addiction and how to recover from them.
If you or someone you love is affected by addiction, contact our retreat center to learn more about our addiction recovery program. We understand that addiction takes no breaks so we are available to contact any time, day or night.
What is an Opioid?
Opioids are a category of drugs that include heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. The function of opioids is to block pain messages that are sent from the body to the brain. They are often prescribed for chronic pain after an accident or surgery, or for pain that occurs as a result of a chronic condition, like cancer.
The Signs and Symptoms
When used correctly, prescription opioids can help users find relief from chronic pain or illness. Sadly, the misuse of opioids can lead to addiction and overdose. The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that anywhere from 21 to 29 percent of patients who are prescribed opioids for chronic pain end up misusing them and between 8 and 12 percent of users develop an opioid addiction disorder.
Luckily, overdose and addiction can be prevented if people are educated about the signs and symptoms. The following is a list of behaviors or conditions to look for if you believe someone is experiencing an overdose:
- Drowsiness
- Mental Fog
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Pale face/clammy skin
- Limp body
- Purple or blue fingernails or lips
- Vomiting or gurgling
- Slowed breathing or heart rate
Victims of an overdose may also have pinpoint or abnormally small pupils. If you think someone is overdosing contact 911 immediately. If a person receives basic life support a fatality may be preventable.
Before an overdose takes place, there are often warning signs of opioid abuse. The following is a list of signs to look for if you suspect someone is abusing opioids:
- Mood swings
- Changes in personality
- Low energy levels
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Increase in dosage
- An uncontrollable urge to use the drug
- Drug-seeking or doctor shopping
- A confused state of mind
The threat of overdose and misuse is always present, but with proper education, it can be prevented. Discovery Place is home to recovery guides who have experienced alcohol or drug addiction and use their personal history to offer insight and guidance.
Finding a Tennessee Opioid Addiction Recovery Program
Our multiple Burns drug addiction recovery programs take place on a seven-acre countryside alternative treatment facility that promotes honesty, perseverance, discipline, tolerance, and love.
It is our aim to provide low-cost, alternative alcoholism and drug addiction recovery programs to alleviate the desire to drink and abuse drugs.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, contact our Tennessee recovery treatment facility today at 1-800-725-0922. We are available 24/7 to help those impacted by addiction.
