Opioids and heroin share the same chemical constructs. However, opioids are even more addictive, with many heroin addicts moving to opioids in order to chase a higher, more concentrated high. It’s also wrongly deemed safer by some addicts because opioids are taken in pill form, not injected. However, opioids are deadlier than heroin because it can often be difficult for even seasoned addicts to gauge how much to take. The United States is in the middle of an opioid epidemic with thousands of people overdosing every year and hundreds dying. The opioid epidemic started because doctors liberally prescribed opioids for long-term pain management and to patients with a high risk of addiction. Now that we’re in the middle of an opioid crisis, how do we overcome it?
Like any addiction, medically assisted treatment in a professional facility offers the best chance for addiction recovery. This may be an inpatient or outpatient facility depending on the person’s level of addiction and needs. Since opioids are the most addictive drug available, and because they’re relatively so accessible, it can be especially challenging to overcome this addiction. Some experts believe an addict is never cured, but that lifelong management is possible. It’s similar to alcoholics in AA saying they’re always an alcoholic, even if they haven’t had a drink in years.
The process of overcoming opioid addiction can and should be customized based on the person. For example, some people consider using opioid disposal kits as a kind of ritual to mark the beginning of their journey towards healing. These kits dissolve the pill into a useless gel form. Some people have great success when combining a variety of alternative treatments with their opioid treatment. For instance, yoga and meditation are popular forms of taking care of oneself that work well in all stages of recovery.
Overcoming opioid addiction starts the way all addiction treatment starts: By genuinely wanting to get help. Until this occurs, no amount of therapy will work. Some people notice their slip into addiction quickly and reach out for help. For others, they need to hit rock bottom before seeking out treatment. The next step is choosing the right treatment for you or your loved one. Facilities are all different, and there’s a lot more to it than choosing inpatient or outpatient. Interview the facility and staff, consider finances (sometimes insurance will cover all or part of treatment, or perhaps payment plans are available). Although finances can’t be the only consideration, it’s certainly an important one.
Consider the long-term options available, too. When a program is completed, a person can feel abandoned. Without that constant support, it can be tempting to go back to opioid dependency. A treatment plan should include lifelong care. Part of addiction treatment is often accepting that there will be slips and setbacks. Planning for these and steps to take when it happens is part of the early planning stages for seeking opioid treatment.
Surprisingly, research has found that over the counter pain medication (such as Tylenol) actually lessens pain more than opioids—and without the dramatic side effects. If a person started taking opioids because it was prescribed for pain, does the pain still exist? If so, it’s time to find a conservative doctor with a host of pain management techniques and who won’t prescribe opioids to the patient. There are a number of options from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to herbal remedies. Opioids were originally designed to be prescribed for very short-term pain relief (such as recovery from a surgery). Due to their addictive nature, they were never meant to be for long-term pain management. That’s one of the primary origins of today’s opioid addiction epidemic.
Finding the right medical team means looking at the whole picture. This will include a new primary doctor if your former one prescribed the opioid for long-term pain, an addiction management team, and perhaps alternative care providers such as licensed massage therapists and acupuncturists. Who your team is may evolve over time, but everyone should be aware of the risk for addiction. Overcoming any addiction is never easy, particularly when it’s as strong and deadly as opioids. However, with the right care team, it’s possible.
