The first step in recovery for a person with opioid use disorder is to stop taking opioids. The process is known as detoxification when the opioids leave the body. This may sound easy to an outsider, but the withdrawal symptoms … Read More
There are nearly 5.6 million Native Americans living in the United States, comprising 1.7% of the total population. While Native Americans account for only a small portion of the U.S. population, this group experiences much higher rates of substance abuse … Read More
Opioids are incredibly addictive substances. All opioids (both legally prescribed drugs and illicit drugs) interact with and stimulate opioid receptors within the brain to block pain and produce feelings of euphoria. Additionally, they quickly rewire the brain, forcing the body … Read More
It is well documented that the opioid recovery process is strenuous – emotionally, physically, and financially. Opioid addicts and their loved ones must endure a lengthy and difficult process of intense withdrawal symptoms, heightened emotions, and financial strain to reach … Read More
The United States has long struggled with Opioid Use Disorders (OUD), and the current opioid crisis sheds light on just how critical of a problem opioid misuse is. Addiction to these types of drugs is difficult to combat as the … Read More
The detoxification process is long and painful for many suffering from OUD. Seemingly minor withdrawal symptoms like muscle aches and runny noses can escalate to intense nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, and painful abdominal cramping in less than 24 … Read More
As the opioid use disorder (OUD) patient begins the journey to recovery, creating the best and most effective continuum of care can be a matter of life or death. Relapse rates in OUD patients post-detoxification are higher than any other … Read More
When an opioid use disorder (OUD) patient reduces or ceases opioid intake, potentially life-threatening physical and psychological changes occur in the brain and body. The OUD patient eventually reaches the point of withdrawal after their tolerance to opioids has transitioned … Read More
Despite extensive research regarding the addictive properties of opioid medications, the number of opioid overdose-related deaths continues to plague the country. The CDC reports that roughly 68% of the 70,200 drug overdose deaths in 2017 involved opioid use. This number … Read More