Opioid Addiction
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Opioid Overdose Deaths
Opioid overdose deaths have reached alarming levels in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 500,000 people died from opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2019.
Navigation: Opioid Overdose Deaths in Michigan on the Rise, Experts Say, What is Opioid Use Disorder?, What Are the Causes of Opioid Use Disorder?, What Are the Dangers of Opioid Abuse and Addiction?, Avoiding Opioid Overdoses: What Are the Signs and Symptoms?, What to Do When Your Loved One is Having an Opioid Overdose, How Can You Help Prevent Drug Overdose Deaths?, Rehab Is Your Best Chance
The opioid crisis has been a significant public health issue in the United States, and Michigan is no exception.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019, an estimated 10.1 million people aged 12 or older misused opioids in the US. It is important to note that this statistic includes both prescription pain relievers and illicit opioids like heroin.
The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on public health, social well-being, and even the economy. Experts suggest it is due to the over-prescription of opioids. In the 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured healthcare professionals that prescription opioids were safe and not addictive. As a result, doctors began prescribing opioids more frequently for pain management, leading to a surge in opioid use. This contributed to the widespread availability of opioids and subsequent misuse.
Despite their pain relieving benefits, opioids are highly addictive substances that can cause physical and psychological dependence. Even when used as prescribed, individuals can develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. This can easily escalate into addiction, making it difficult for people to stop using opioids without professional help.
In addition to prescription opioids, there has been an increase in the use of illegal opioids, such as heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. These substances are often cheaper and more potent, posing a higher risk of overdose. The presence of illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is much stronger than heroin, has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths.
Opioid overdose deaths have reached alarming levels in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 500,000 people died from opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2019.
This crisis has affected people across all demographics, including individuals of different ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
A new report from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says that fatal drug overdoses are on the rise in Michigan. Here we will take a closer look at opioid use disorder and how you can fight the opioid epidemic by helping your loved ones.
Opioid Overdose Deaths in Michigan on the Rise, Experts Say
In 2021, there were 2,539 opioid-related deaths in Michigan, according to the MDHHS. The MDHHS is responsible for promoting the health, safety, and well-being of Michigan residents. The department focuses on various areas, including public health, medical services, behavioral health, children and family services, and aging and adult services.
According to the state government agency, the rate of opioid overdose deaths in Michigan is rising.
The agency says that the best way for people to combat the opioid epidemic is by paying attention to opioid resources and recognizing the danger of these drugs. Staying informed can help you keep yourself and your family safe from opioid’s dangerous effects.
Health officials recommend having access to Naloxone which can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
The MDHHS also emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma around drug addiction. They say this is the key to addressing the epidemic.
MDHHS state assistant administrator Jared Welehodsky said: “Data sharing between public health and law enforcement is critical to be able to respond to this epidemic. The drugs continue to be more deadly; we’re seeing across the state. It’s really important that we’re able to share information between public health and public safety.”
What is Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioids are a class of drugs that act on the nervous system to relieve pain and produce pleasurable effects. Common opioids include prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. These medications are commonly prescribed as painkillers. However, illicit drugs like heroin are also classified as opioids.
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic medical condition characterized by the problematic and compulsive use of opioids. It can also be called opioid addiction. OUD occurs when a person develops a dependence on opioids, leading to a range of negative consequences. It is possible to get addicted to both illicit and prescription opioids.
An addicted person will have strong and persistent cravings for opioids. They will also have limited control over their opioid intake. Over time, they may develop drug tolerance, which refers to the need for larger doses of a certain substance just to achieve the desired effects.
If a person has become drug dependent, they will experience withdrawal symptoms every time they try to quit or limit their opioid intake.
During their opioid abuse, the person may encounter a range of physical and mental health problems such as respiratory depression, overdose, infections, and depression.
Opioid use disorder is a serious condition that can have severe consequences for individuals’ health, relationships, and overall well-being. It often requires comprehensive treatment, including a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapies.
MAT involves the use of medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while behavioral therapies help individuals address underlying issues, learn coping skills, and make positive changes in their lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder, it is important to seek help from healthcare professionals or addiction specialists who can provide appropriate support and guidance.
What Are the Causes of Opioid Use Disorder?
Prescription opioids are commonly used to manage pain, and they can be highly effective when used appropriately and under medical supervision. However, factors such as overprescribing, inadequate patient education about the risks and potential for addiction, and the availability of prescription opioids in medicine cabinets have contributed to the rise in OUD cases.
The leading cause of opioid use disorder is the misuse and overuse of opioid prescriptions. This condition occurs when a person takes too much of their prescription or takes it too often. When you don’t follow your doctor’s prescription instructions, you put yourself at risk of becoming addicted.
However, opioids are so potent that it is possible to become addicted even when you do follow your doctor’s instructions.
It’s also worth noting that while prescription opioids are a significant contributor to the opioid crisis, other factors have also played a role. Illicitly manufactured opioids, such as fentanyl, have become a major concern, as they are more potent and can lead to accidental overdoses.
There are many reasons people willingly abuse opioids, and it’s not just because they can make you feel good. Opioid use disorder is a complex condition that can have various contributing factors.
For example, having easy access to opioids, whether through legal or illegal means, can make you more likely to abuse it. Experiencing peer pressure can also make you more vulnerable to opioid abuse. Teens and young adults are particularly exposed to the dangers of peer pressure.
Insufficient knowledge about the risks associated with opioid use, proper pain management, and the potential for addiction can contribute to the development of OUD. This is particularly relevant for individuals who may receive opioids for medical reasons without fully understanding the risks involved.
Finally, those who have co-occurring mental health disorders are more likely to self-medicate and abuse their prescriptions.
Opioids are highly addictive due to their effects on the brain and the body. These drugs interact with opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other organs, leading to a range of effects, including pain relief, euphoria, and sedation. Some people get hooked on these pleasant effects.
Opioids act on the brain’s reward system, causing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This flood of dopamine creates a powerful reinforcement mechanism, making the brain associate opioid use with intense pleasure, leading to a desire for repeated use.
Some people are more likely to become addicted to opioids than others. Certain genetic factors can influence an individual’s susceptibility to opioid addiction.
Additionally, environmental factors such as exposure to opioids, availability of drugs, social norms around drug use, and co-occurring mental health disorders can all contribute to the development of addiction.
Just keep in mind that not everyone who uses opioids will become addicted. Opioids should be used with caution, under the supervision of a healthcare professional, to minimize the risk of addiction.
What Are the Dangers of Opioid Abuse and Addiction?
Opioid use disorder can pose significant dangers to individuals and even society as a whole. The biggest physical health risk of opioid addiction is overdose. Opioid drugs, especially when misused or taken in excessive amounts, can depress the central nervous system to dangerous levels, leading to respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
Other than that, opioid abuse can result in a wide range of physical health issues, including constipation, nausea, vomiting, liver damage, increased risk of infectious diseases (such as HIV and hepatitis), hormonal imbalances, and weakened immune function.
For pregnant women, misusing opioids can even expose their unborn babies to the drugs, leading to neonatal abstinence syndrome or NAS. Babies born with NAS experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, requiring specialized medical care.
Chronic opioid use can also lead to changes in brain chemistry, which can affect mood, cognition, and behavior. It can result in symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, confusion, and impaired decision-making.
Opioid abuse can significantly impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, increasing the risk of car crashes and other accidents.
The effects of opioids go beyond the individual level. Its abuse can lead to strained relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, as the person grapples with addiction. They may even experience financial difficulties, loss of employment, and legal problems.
Avoiding Opioid Overdoses: What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
An opioid overdose can have serious and potentially life-threatening effects. It is therefore important to know what signs and symptoms to look out for.
If a person is going through an opioid overdose, their breathing may become very slow, irregular, or even stop altogether. This is a critical sign of an opioid overdose. It is important to seek medical treatment right away.
The person may also be difficult to wake up or may be completely unresponsive to stimuli. Their muscles may feel flaccid, and the person may have difficulty moving or appear weak. Aside from their body becoming limp, their skin may also become pale or feel cold or clammy.
Their pupils may appear very small, resembling pinpoints, even in dim light. You may also notice their lips, fingertips, or extremities turning bluish or grayish. This is due to a lack of oxygen.
Other signs of opioid overdose include: vomiting, gurgling noises due to impaired gag reflex, confusion, disorientation, difficulty staying awake, slow heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help by calling emergency services. Administering naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversal medication, if available, can also be life-saving. Remember, an opioid overdose is a medical emergency, and prompt action is essential.
What to Do When Your Loved One is Having an Opioid Overdose
If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing an opioid overdose, it’s important to act quickly and seek emergency medical assistance. Here are the steps you should take:
Call emergency services: Call 911 immediately. Inform the operator that you believe your loved one is experiencing an opioid overdose and provide them with the necessary details like your location.
Stay with the person: Remain with your loved one and monitor their condition closely. If they lose consciousness, make sure to keep an eye on their breathing and provide reassurance.
Administer naloxone if available: Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore breathing. If you have access to naloxone, follow the instructions on how to administer it. Many countries and regions have programs that distribute naloxone and provide training on its use.
Do not leave them alone: It’s crucial to never leave a person alone during an overdose. Stay with them until emergency medical help arrives.
Provide information to medical professionals: When the emergency responders arrive, inform them about the situation, including any details about the substance that was consumed, if known. The more information you can provide, the better equipped they will be to provide appropriate care.
Remember, after receiving emergency treatment, it is also important to encourage your loved one to seek further medical and psychological support to address their addiction.
How Can You Help Prevent Drug Overdose Deaths?
Supporting a loved one with an opioid use disorder can be challenging, but there are several ways you can provide assistance and help them on their journey to recovery.
First, you need to educate yourself. Fighting stigma requires an understanding of your loved one’s condition and their situation. Learn about opioid use disorder, its causes, effects, and available treatment options. Understanding the nature of addiction can help you approach the situation with empathy and knowledge.
With a deeper understanding of their condition, you can encourage open communication. Create a safe and non-judgmental space for your loved one to talk about their struggles, fears, and concerns. Encourage honest and open communication to build trust and understanding.
Let your loved one know that you are there for them and that you care about their well-being. Show empathy, listen actively, and validate their feelings. Avoid enabling behaviors, but let them know they can count on you for support.
Suggest seeking professional help. Treatment options for opioid use disorder can include medication-assisted treatment, counseling, therapy, and support groups. Offer to help research treatment providers and accompany them to appointments, if they’re comfortable with it.
In fact, you can do your part by helping your loved one locate local resources like addiction helplines, support groups, and rehab programs near you. Offer to make calls or research available options together.
If your loved one is undergoing medication-assisted treatment, make sure that they take their prescribed medication as directed and follow the recommended treatment plan. Help them manage medication schedules and attend medical appointments.
Encourage your loved one to adopt healthy habits that support their recovery. This includes engaging in regular exercise, eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and avoiding triggers and situations that may lead to substance use.
Be patient and understanding. Recovery is a complex process, and setbacks may occur. Encourage your loved one to keep trying, even if they face challenges or relapse. Patience, compassion, and understanding can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.
At the same time, it is essential to establish healthy boundaries to protect yourself and your relationship. Be clear about your expectations and limits regarding their substance use. Enabling behavior, such as providing money or making excuses, can hinder their recovery progress.
It’s not easy to watch your loved one struggling with an opioid use disorder. But you can provide them the support that they need in order to regain their sobriety and get through the recovery process. There are plenty of treatment facilities that can teach them how to maintain their sobriety through healthy coping mechanisms and treatment strategies.
Supporting someone with an opioid use disorder can be emotionally draining. Make sure to take care of your own well-being by seeking support from friends, family, or support groups. Therapists or counselors can also help you navigate this challenging situation.
Remember, you cannot force someone to recover, but your support and encouragement can make a positive impact. Encourage them to seek professional help and be there for them as they navigate their path to recovery. Look for a rehab near you today and help fight opioid use disorder within your family.
Rehab is Your Best Chance
Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.
