The opiate crisis began in the late 1990s when pharmaceutical companies came out with new opiate medications that they reassured to doctors were non-addictive. Healthcare professionals began to prescribe these medications in higher quantities. Unfortunately, the medications being prescribed, such as oxycontin, turned out to actually be highly addictive and people began to abuse and become addicted to them. In 2017 the United States Health And Human Services department declared the opiate crisis a public health emergency. South Florida was one of the epicenters for the opiate crisis. Pain management clinics over prescribed opiates to patients, which rapidly increased the rates of opiate addiction in South Florida.
South Florida is still grappling with the aftermath of the opiate crisis. Regulations surrounding opiate prescriptions have limited the amount of pharmaceuticals available to addicts, so illicit opiates such as heroin have now been flooded into the state illegally. As the rate of opiate addiction increases in South Florida it is important to be educated and informed about addiction in order to be aware of the early warning signs you or your loved ones may be struggling.
Understanding Opiate Addiction In South Florida
The opiate crisis has impacted millions of Americans across the United States. These days it is common for someone to have either struggled with opiate addiction themselves, or to know someone who has struggled. In 2016 opiate overdoses accounted for over 42,000 deaths and the rates have continued to increase. Despite efforts from the government to regulate the amount of opiate prescriptions available to the public, the rates of addiction have only continued to climb.
Public awareness regarding the opiate crisis in South Florida is extremely important. If the public is educated on the signs and symptoms of addiction then they are able to monitor both themselves and their loved ones. Early intervention is one of the best ways to stop addiction from taking over someone’s life, but many people do not realize the initial warning signs of addiction.
Part of The Healing Center’s drug rehab program in Fort Lauderdale , Florida is addiction awareness education. We want to educate our clients and their families about the statistics, facts, and signs of addiction and relapse. We provide our clients with the knowledge they need in order to properly address and treat their opiate addiction as soon as possible.
Signs And Symptoms Of Opiate Addiction
Watching out for the signs and symptoms of opiate addiction in yourself and your loved ones is extremely important. Opiate addiction is not always obvious, especially in what is known as “high-functioning” opiate addicts. High functioning addicts are addicts who are physically and psychologically dependent on substances, but still remaining productive and responsible members of society. The warning signs of addiction may be subtle, but if you notice them in yourself or your loved one then it’s important to speak with a mental health and addiction specialist. A couple of the signs and symptoms of opiate addiction include:
- Isolating from friends and family
- Mood swings
- Pinned eye pupils
- Excessive itching
- Depressive episodes
- Financial issues
- Nodding out or going in and out of consciousness
- Slowed or slurred speech
- Loss of concentration or interest in normal activities
These are just a few of the signs of opiate addiction and there are many more depending on the individual. Addiction does not look the same in everyone, so if you do have suspicions you can speak to a mental health and addiction medical provider to hear their thoughts. If you have noticed behavioral or emotional changes in someone and you think that they may be struggling with addiction, then it is important to talk to them about your concerns in a non-judgemental way. If you or your loved one turns out to be suffering from opiate addiction, then it is paramount to contact a drug addiction treatment facility in order to get the help that is needed as soon as possible. A drug treatment facility can help do a full evaluation and recommend the level of care that will set you or your loved one onto the road of recovery.
Opiate Addiction In South Florida Treatment
Here at The Healing Center in Fort Lauderdale Florida we offer a premier opiate addiction in South Florida treatment center. We address every piece of addiction including the physical symptoms, psychological struggles, and emotional consequences. We offer our clients a multitude of therapeutic services in order to give them a strong foundation for long-term recovery. Our team works endlessly to help the community of South Florida win the battle against the opiate crisis. We educate our clients and their families about the disease of addiction and the best ways to treat it. Our goal is for every single one of our clients to break free from the chains of addiction and lead a beautiful and fulfilling life. If you or your loved one is struggling with opiate addiction, then call our admissions team so we can help you begin your recovery journey today.
