Addiction, no matter the type of addiction is a killer disease. There are quite a number of things one can get addicted to, but one of the most common ones is opioid addiction. What are opioids? These are drugs that are known to relieve pain by blocking pain signals between the brain and the body, and they also include the illegal drug heroin. Patients who have undergone surgeries usually are prescribed with the opioids to help them deal with the pain. However, the sad part is that some of these patients tend to rely on the drugs too much, which makes them addicted. Research has shown that 2,000,000 + people are addicted to opioids in the US, and more than 90 people die daily due to opioid overdose. The moment you reach a point where you feel like you cannot do without the drug, then that is one of the telltale signs of addiction. The good news, however, is that it is possible to overcome opioid addiction and here’s how;
- Accept that you are addicted
Most opioid addicts will often deny that they are addicted. And in as much as some of the addiction signs are very obvious, they will still deny and even become aggressive when someone tells them that they are addicted. Sadly, denial is one of the things that has made most of them succumb to the addiction. As such, the first step towards recovery from opioid addiction is accepting that you are addicted. This will, in turn, help you get the necessary help from other parties.
- Talk to someone
After admitting that you are addicted to opioids, hit up a close friend or family member, and talk to them about what you are going through. You can choose to meet them physically or even hold a phone conversation with them. Getting help from others does not mean that you are weak; instead, it shows that you are courageous enough to face and overcome any challenges. Having someone, you can be open to helps you share the burden. For one, you will be relieved, and secondly, you will feel loved and cared for. Walking through the recovery journey is better if you have someone to hold your hand. And that’s where true friends come in. If they are in a position to advise you on how to kill the addiction they can help you accordingly while if they feel like you need professional help, they can help you find professionals who will guide you.
- Seek treatment
Many centers offer opioid addiction treatment today. Many people who have walked out of addiction have actually received such treatments meaning that it can work for you too. Be sure to find a treatment center that is reputable and is known for their good job. And the good thing is that you have the freedom to choose from a variety of physicians. You should choose one that you connect with and can openly communicate with without feeling judged. Often times, the treatment will not only involve support from the physicians but also FDA- approved medication such as naltrexone or buprenorphine.
