The Opioid Epidemic In The U.S.
Millions of people struggle with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the U.S. and around the world every day. This is why it is so important to keep fighting for these millions of people and to keep fighting against the opioid epidemic that they are victims of. The good news is that there are many means, methods, and modalities that can help them recover at the cellular level and go on to live lives free of addiction.
The Prevalence of Addiction in the U.S.
Many people don’t realize just how prevalent addiction remains in the U.S. (and abroad). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”
Now, many people still stigmatize these people with addiction by claiming that addiction is some type of moral failing or choice. This is simply not the case.
It is important to remember that addiction is a disease. It is more similar to chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease than it is a “choice.” Also, it is important to remember that addiction is also a “family disease.” This is because it does not just affect the individual but it affects everyone it comes into contact with, and this is only exacerbated by the opioid epidemic.
Better Understanding Opioid Use Disorder
OUD affects more people than many people may realize. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Nearly 108,000 persons in the U.S. died from drug-involved overdose in 2022, including from illicit or prescription drugs.”
Also, many people struggle with OUD because of the ready availability of prescription opioids. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to opioid pain relievers and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. Increased prescription of opioid medications led to widespread misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive. In 2017 HHS declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency.”
The Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder
There are many signs and symptoms that one may be struggling with OUD. Of course, these vary based on the individual. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Struggling to stay awake, even when standing or sitting up (“nodding out”)
- Feeling overly nervous, or anxious
- Having feelings of uselessness, worthlessness, or loneliness
- Loss of appetite
- Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Harming oneself or others
- Exhibiting recessive mood swings
- Having other co-occurring issues of mental health
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these are very serious symptoms (especially suicide), which is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present it is important to seek professional help sooner rather than later. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Better Understanding the Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic is in many ways stronger than ever. This is in large part due to the increase of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Fentanyl is significantly more dangerous and addictive than other less powerful opioids. It is also more deadly. Also, many people don’t even realize that they are using fentanyl because it can be mixed with other substances or disguised as a different opioid.
The Opioid Epidemic: Healing Holistically
There are many effective treatments for OUD, and one should use as many as possible. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). It also includes holistic healing methods like mindfulness meditation and yoga therapy.
Yoga therapy can be particularly beneficial because it treats the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of addiction. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent, reduce or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional and spiritual pain, suffering or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”
Long-Term Success With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term fixes. This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized with a focus on the future.
The future is bright. Recovery is near. The key is to go out there and get it.
Many people don’t realize that there is still an opioid epidemic in the U.S. (and abroad). This means that millions of people and their families are struggling with the devastation of addiction. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover at the cellular level. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information about the opioid epidemic in the U.S., please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
