Millions of people in the United States abuse prescription opiates. In many instances, the first time a person uses opioids is innocent, and they may be unaware of the potential for addiction. Since the opiate epidemic has gripped the country, doctors and patients are somewhat better informed. Keeping that in mind, opiates are still often prescribed for pain relief following an injury or surgery. It’s important to know that stopping opioid addiction is possible, especially with early intervention. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, reach out to Grace Counseling today. Trained specialists in our Ft. Worth and Lewisville locations are available at 844.564.0712 to discuss an effective treatment plan that works for you.
The Importance of Early Intervention to Battle Opioid Addiction
Opiates offer effective short-term relief when used as prescribed in small doses for short lengths of time. However, it can be difficult for people who initially begin taking opiates for pain management to cease taking these medications. If a doctor says they will not continue to fill prescriptions and a patient has developed an addiction, the patient may seek illicit opiates to reduce cravings and feelings of withdrawal.
If you’re abusing opioids, early intervention can help you take back control of your life. Those who do not address substance abuse disorders during the early stages of addiction put themselves and their loved ones at a higher risk for more serious consequences.
Factors That Increase Risk for Opioid Addiction
Several factors increase a person’s risk of opioid addiction even before using opiates for the first time. These factors may include:
- Youth–Particularly teen, early 20s
- Has mental health issues
- Living in stressful circumstances
- Unemployed
- History of work issues
- History of family problems
- Previous legal issues
- Engages with others who abuse substances
- Smoker
Genetic predispositions, mental health factors such as depression and anxiety, and environmental factors such as low income are possible reasons why a person may be more susceptible to abusing opioids or other substances.
It’s important to keep in mind that those who take opioids as predicted after an injury or surgery are far less likely to develop a habit of abuse or addiction. That being said, any person who takes opiates is at risk of becoming addicted, regardless of factors such as age, race, class, or gender.
Common Signs of Opioid Addiction
In the early stages of addiction, a person may maintain the appearance of normal living. They may initially continue to fulfill their work and family obligations. Family and coworkers have an opportunity to help a person find help during these early stages of substance abuse before addiction takes a greater toll on a person’s life.
Some common signs of opioid addiction include:
- Mood changes or instability
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Seeking more medication than prescribed
- Poor decision-making
- Lying or making excuses
- Changes in social interaction
Seek Early Intervention Today at Grace Counseling
The opioid epidemic has made it clear that an astounding amount of Americans are affected by this crisis. Even those who have not personally dealt with addiction almost certainly know someone who has.
While it’s never too late to find a program that will assist a patient in maintaining a healthy, sober lifestyle, early intervention can make a huge difference in addressing substance abuse before a person’s life spirals out of control. Therefore, our addiction treatment programs include an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and partial hospitalization program (PHP), in each of which clients can take advantage of therapies like:
Reach out to Grace Counseling today at 844.564.0712, or contact us online to speak with a trained professional who can help provide you with essential information to help you or your loved one make the necessary changes to put them on the road to recovery.
