Opioid Addiction: A Growing Epidemic
Opioid addiction is a serious public health crisis in the United States. In 2020, more than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses, and the majority of those deaths involved opioids. Opioid addiction can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities.
What are opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone, OxyContin, Percocet, oxymorphone and hydrocodone, and illegal drugs, such as heroin. Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which block pain signals and produce feelings of euphoria.
Euphoria: A false sense of wellbeing
How does opioid addiction develop?
Opioid addiction can develop quickly or slowly, depending on a number of factors, such as the individual’s genetics, personality, and environment. People who take opioids for pain relief are at an increased risk of addiction, especially if they take them for a long period of time or in high doses.
People who misuse opioids, such as by taking them without a prescription or by taking more than prescribed, are also at an increased risk of addiction.
What are the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction?
The signs and symptoms of opioid addiction can vary from person to person, but some common signs include:
- A strong craving for opioids
- Difficulty controlling opioid use
- Continuing to use opioids despite negative consequences, such as health problems or legal problems
- Needing to use more opioids to achieve the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms when you stop using opioids
How can I tell if a friend or family member is abusing opioids?
There are many signs and symptoms that can indicate that someone is abusing opioids. Some of the most common signs include:
- Changes in behavior: People who are abusing opioids may start to withdraw from friends and family, lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, and have changes in their mood or personality. They may also start to lie or steal to get opioids.
- Physical changes: People who are abusing opioids may experience changes in their physical appearance, such as weight loss, changes in skin color, or needle marks. They may also have problems with their coordination or balance.
- Changes in mental health: People who are abusing opioids may experience changes in their mental health, such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis. They may also have problems with their memory or concentration.
- Opioid overdose: People who abuse opioids are at risk of overdose, which can be fatal. If you suspect that someone is overdosing on opioids, call 911 immediately.
If you are concerned that someone you know may be abusing opioids, it is important to talk to them about it. You can also offer to help them get treatment. There are many resources available to help people who are struggling with opioid addiction.
Here are some additional signs that may indicate opioid abuse:
- Taking more opioids than prescribed
- Using opioids for non-medical reasons
- Borrowing or stealing opioids from others
- Selling or trading opioids
- Spending a lot of time obtaining or using opioids
- Missing work or school because of opioids
- Having financial problems due to opioids
- Getting into legal trouble because of opioids
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to talk to the person about your concerns. Helping them get enrolled in a Suboxone telemedicine program accepting TennCare Medicaid insurance can be a great solution.
How is opioid addiction treated?
Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and counseling. In the medical community this is known as MAT which is an acronym for “Medication-Assisted Therapy” and is used for treating OUD, or “Opioid Use Disorder”.
What is Medication-Assisted Therapy?
Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) is a type of treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) that combines Suboxone medications (and its generic equivalents) with counseling and behavioral therapies.
MAT is considered the gold standard treatment for OUD because it has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid use, preventing relapse, and improving quality of life.
The medications used in MAT work in different ways to help people with OUD.
Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist, which means they work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. Buprenorphine reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to stop using opioids.
Naltrexone is the brand name for naloxone which is an opioid antagonist. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids which helps prevent relapse in people who are already abstinent from opioids.
Suboxone is the brand name for a combination drug consisting of both buprenorphine and naloxone, providing a partial agonist and an opioid antagonist. Together these medications help prevent withdrawal symptoms as well as help block the effects of opioids.
Currently, Suboxone telemedicine treatment is the most effective medication for managing and overcoming opioid use disorder.
MAT with Suboxone is typically provided in a clinic setting, but it can also be delivered in other settings, such as a doctor’s office or a community health center. The length of treatment varies from person to person, but most people need to stay in treatment for at least a year.
MAT is a safe and effective treatment for OUD. It is important to note that MAT is not a cure for OUD, but it can help people to manage their addiction and live healthy, productive lives.
Many peoople in recovery say the following about Suboxone usage in medication-assisted therapy:
“Suboxone saved my life by providing the clarity and stability to allow therapy to change my life.”
Here are some of the benefits of MAT:
- It can help people to reduce opioid use and prevent relapse.
- It can improve quality of life by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- It can help people to function better in their daily lives.
- It can help people to address the underlying causes of their addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, MAT may be a good option for treatment. A Suboxone telemedicine program accepting TennCare Medicaid insurance is a MAT program treating opioid use disorder, and is currently considered the best solution for people addicted to opioids.
Nashville Addiction Clinic serves the entire state of Tennessee with medication-assisted therapy (MAT) by providing Suboxone medications, private therapy and additional support resources all through telemedicine.
New patients are accepted daily and can work the entire Suboxone program from the comfort of their own home. Medication delivery is available for those who have transportation issues, or prefer not interacting with a pharmacy.
Nashville Addiction Clinic accepts all TennCare Medicaid health insurance as well as many commercial insurance plans.
A self-pay program is available for those without health insurance who are interested in starting a Suboxone telemedicine program. Patients can start a Subocone telemedicine program for as little as $100.
How can I prevent opioid addiction?
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent opioid addiction, such as:
- Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of opioid pain medication before taking it.
- Take opioids only as prescribed and for the shortest amount of time possible.
- Do not share opioids with others.
- Dispose of unused opioids properly.
- Get help if you are struggling with opioid addiction.
If you are struggling with opioid addiction, please reach out for help. A Suboxone telemedicine program accepting TennCare Medicaid insurance is literally a click away on the web at NashvilleAddictionClinic.com.
Nashville Addiction Clinic has created a unique Suboxone Telemedicine Program that serves anyone living in the state of Tennessee.
Here are some quick links for getting started with Suboxone Telemedicine for opioid use disorder whether or not you have health insurance:
