In 2017 alone, more than 72,000 people in the United States died from drug overdose. The sharpest increase in drug use and death was the use of synthetic opioids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 30,000 overdose deaths can be attributed to opioids, with 16,000 being linked to heroin and the remainder being linked to prescription painkillers.
Given the sharp increase in deaths associated with opioids, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide Public Health Emergency on October 27, 2017. In addition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition listed Opioid Use Disorder among its recognized mental illnesses. To be diagnosed with an Opioid Use Disorder, a person must display two of the symptoms included on a long list of recognized symptoms within a 12-month period. Some of these symptoms include:
- Taking more drugs over a longer period of time than intended
- Spending a great deal of time obtaining or using opioids
- Having a strong desire to use opioids
- Continuing to use opioids despite having social and interpersonal problems related to their use
- Continuing to use opioids despite ongoing physical or psychological problems related to their use
- Giving up or reducing other activities due to opioid use
If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, contact Advanced Spine and Rehab today to learn more about our suboxone program. We will be happy to discuss the program with you to help you determine if it might be the right treatment program for you.