Addiction can happen to anyone. It is not a matter of race, socioeconomic status, age, religious beliefs, educational background, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Addiction also impacts more than just the person addicted – it impacts their family and community. You’ve most likely heard of the opioid epidemic in the United States, where roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them and spiral from there. This issue has become a public health crisis with devastating consequences including increases in opioid misuse and related overdoses, as well as the rising incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome due to opioid use and misuse during pregnancy. Why is opioid addiction so hard to overcome? We will explain the history behind opioids, the signs of opioid addiction and the treatment options available. Continue reading →
Addiction can happen to anyone. It is not a matter of race, socioeconomic status, age, religious beliefs, educational background, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Addiction also impacts more than just the person addicted – it impacts their family and community. You’ve most likely heard of the opioid epidemic in the United States, where roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them and spiral from there. This issue has become a public health crisis with devastating consequences including increases in opioid misuse and related overdoses, as well as the rising incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome due to opioid use and misuse during pregnancy. Why is opioid addiction so hard to overcome? We will explain the history behind opioids, the signs of opioid addiction and the treatment options available. Continue reading →