What Exactly Is Opiate Dependency?

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) reports that an estimated 2.7 million, or 1.0% of Americans aged 12 and older qualify as having an opioid use disorder. Given the mass proportion of affected individuals, we at HealthCareOnTheGo LLC, your trusty provider of medical services in Meridian, Mississippi, believe it is only right to take the necessary steps toward bringing these numbers down.

One way we aim to achieve this is by conveying crucial information to the public. As such, here are a few facts about opiate addiction right from experts in psychiatric services like us:

• Driving Forces
  Opiate addiction leads to physical dependence—a state where the body adapts to the presence of the drug and requires it for normal functioning. The sudden cessation or reduction of the drug can trigger withdrawal symptoms, which becomes a driving force for individuals to continue using opiates. While it’s true that recovering from a drug dependency is a challenging journey, it is possible with appropriate support and guidance.
• Risk Factors
  Factors that can increase the likelihood of developing opiate addiction include a history of substance abuse, a family history of addiction, genetic factors, and mental health conditions.
• Treatment Options
  Opiate addiction is treated with the integration of behavioral therapies, counseling, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT comprises medications to assist in the management of withdrawal symptoms and cravings, providing a comprehensive and effective treatment approach for individuals seeking opioid addiction treatment.

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