Opioid Addiction Remains A Major Public Health Crisis In America
Opioid addiction remains a major public health crisis in America, and in 2015 alone was linked to over 33,000 deaths. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., with the majority of those deaths caused by opioid use in particular: in 2015, over 63 percent of all drug overdose deaths were caused either by heroin or by painkillers.
Thankfully, there is hope for patients struggling with this addiction. The FDA has approved medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and Suboxone to treat opioid addiction. These medications are usually prescribed long-term, and are combined with other therapies such as counseling and behavioral therapy that address other causes of addiction. These medications are either taken at home or dispensed to patients in clinical settings to lower the risk of prescription drug misuse.
The first steps toward overcoming opioid addiction are to seek help, and to learn more about your nearby treatment options. If you or someone you love are suffering from opioid addiction, know that help is available. Collaborative Minds is ready to help you regain control of your life.