Among the various issues facing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania today, the opioid epidemic is among the worst. Both legal and illegal opioids have the potential to cause serious damage to someone’s life. Therefore, everyone needs to know what they should do if they are looking for assistance. At Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge, we are here to help you. If you or someone you know has been impacted by an addiction to opioid medications, including overdose issues, then understand that you are not alone. There are plenty of resources that are available at our disposal. Call Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge today at 844.442.8673 to learn more about the treatment options available.
The Scope of the Opioid Epidemic in Pennsylvania
When compared to other states in the country, the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania is among the worst. Many people have been wondering how this epidemic happened in the first place. Usually, this starts with prescription medications.
Chronic pain is among the most common reasons why someone may seek the help of a trained medical professional. Often, doctors use opioids and narcotic medications to treat chronic pain. These are medications that patients are only supposed to use on a short-term basis. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of options available for those who suffer from chronic pain. As a result, people end up taking opioid and narcotic medications for prolonged periods.
Because these medications are so addictive, many people end up getting hooked on prescription medications. They may end up faking symptoms in order to get another prescription from the doctor. When prescription medications do not cut it anymore, they may turn to other options, such as heroin. This is how the opioid epidemic got out of control.
What Are the Examples of Prescription Opioid and Narcotic Medications?
There are numerous prescription opioid and narcotic medications that people may take for discomfort. Some of the most common examples include:
- Vicodin
- Percocet
- Lortab
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
Everyone responds to these medications slightly differently. Some people may be able to take these medications and not get hooked on them. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone.
How Is an Opioid Addiction Treated?
Everyone concerned about opioid addiction or overdose needs to seek medical care as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most challenging addictions to treat. The first step is to help people complete opioid detox. This stage involves removing all traces of opioid and narcotic medications from someone’s system. Unfortunately, the withdrawal process from these medications can be uncomfortable. Therefore, it is better to go through this process under the supervision of trained medical professionals.
It is then essential for everyone to make sure they have coping skills that can help them deal with cravings in the future. Mental health professionals can set people up with a successful treatment plan. The goal of treating opioid addiction is to help someone get sober and make sure they stay sober. That is where we can help you. At Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge, we can help you address overdose and addiction issues related to an addiction to opioid medications in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas.
Contact Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge Today
If you are looking for assistants dealing with an addiction to opioid medications, look no further than Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge. At Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge, we are here to help you. Our treatment professionals have a tremendous amount of experience dealing with a wide variety of addictions. This includes opioids. We understand that this is going to be a challenge. However, we want to be with you every step of the way. Contact us today at 844.442.8673 to learn more about how we can help you.
