We have all heard the commercials for pharmaceutical drugs with their lists of side effects. However, these advertisements do not expand upon the fact that many of these substances have addictive properties. When a patient comes in asking for more than the allotted amount of pills for their prescription or for it to be increased over an expanded time, physicians often have to say “No.” Unfortunately, by this point, many people are already hooked when it comes to narcotic pain killers. They then seek refuge in a street opiate: Heroin. Within a five-year span from 2010 to 2015, there was a 17 percent increase in heroin overdoses alone.

We have been saying we are at war with addiction for some time now. We harp on the dangers of opiates, especially heroin. We know how quickly we can go from experimentation to abusing substances to IV drug use. We keep implementing new options from needle exchange programs to educational programs, yet these numbers keep increasing. We are failing this war on drugs. It is up to us to help win this battle because the pharmaceutical companies are not going to stop making money off this war.

The DSM Definition of Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid Use Disorder has similar symptoms to other alcohol and drug use disorders. The indications that you may be suffering from this disorder include:

  • Taking opiates more often and for a longer period than you first set out to do.
  • Spending lots of time wanting, trying to use less, or attempting to stop using opioids.
  • Having an intense desire to engage in the use of opiates.
  • Continuing to use regardless of the drug’s interference with occupational or educational goals and work. Not stopping use when it begins to affect home life and your ability to complete responsibilities at home.
  • Experiencing social or interpersonal troubles due to your opiate use. Regardless of noting this, you do not cease your opioid use.
  • Reducing time participating in social, work, or leisure activities you once enjoyed. Your substance of choice begins to become your social, occupational, and leisure activities in a sense.
  • Continuing to use regardless of seeing that it is causing harm. Using in hazardous situations or putting yourself in harmful conditions due to your use.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the substance has left your system.

Big Pharma and The Opioid Crisis

The Opioid Epidemic and the Fight Against Big PharmaWe are not saying that pharmaceutical companies are pushing heroin nor that they are maliciously creating addicts. We are not saying that they are responsible for opioid overdoses. However, the number of individuals passing away from opiate use is startling. In 2017 there were 70,237 drug overdose deaths within the United States. Between the years of 1999 to 2017 approximately 218,000 individuals passed away in the United States due to overdoses of prescribed opioids. Prescription opioids include Hydrocodone, Morphine, Oxycodone, and Codeine. States that demonstrated statistically noteworthy heightened numbers of drug overdose death rates between 2016 and 2017 included Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Those are just the reported cases. The numbers keep increasing. Doctors have signs posted in their offices warning against addiction to narcotic pain killers and many schools employee guidance counselors to educate on the dangers of opiates. However, as a society we trust our doctors to prescribe our medications to heal us, not to harm us. That leaves it up to us to fight this war.

Stop Using Opioids Today

How do you begin to fight your own war regarding your opiate use? Seek help today. Burns, Tennessee is a beautiful city for you to get the help you need. Our trained professionals at Discovery Place are ready to help you this very moment. We have everything from an alternative 30-day residential program to continuing care for recovery for up to a year after finishing our program. Give us a call today at 1-800-725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

    Thinking About Rehab?

    Learn More About Our Alternative Residential Recovery Programs

      Alternative Drug & Alcohol Treatment Rehab
    • Admissions
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Talk to someone about your options

      Talk to someone about your options

      Blue Pig Media