Sunday 30 April 2017

Volunteering For Opiate Addiction Treatment Is The Only Solution For Addicts

By Paul Peterson


There are countless people that are addicted to some substance. They can be found in any society, regardless of wealth, culture, religion or race. Many of these addicts live their entire lives focusing on where and when they will be getting their next batch of substances from. This is not true for addicts of illegal drugs only. Numerous people are addicted to seemingly innocent substances such as prescription pain killers. The only solution for such addicts is professional opiate addiction treatment.

The very fact that treatment programs for those addicted to pain killers have sprung up everywhere is a clear indication of just how serious the problem has become. Far too many doctors write prescriptions because their patients ask them too. Even when they refuse, the addict will not struggle to find pain killers, even in the black market. May patients are convinced that they are only using medication for a legitimate reason.

The loved ones of substance abusers are often in the dark. They do not offer help or support because they do not know that a loved one is totally dependent upon a substance such as pain killers. There are some signs, however. Abusers often see different doctors and get their medication from various suppliers. The will also become irritable and even aggressive if they do not have enough pain killers at hand.

Even if there is no doubt whatsoever that a loved one is addicted to pain killers, no treatment program will help unless the addict himself admit that he has a serious problem and that he needs help in overcoming his addiction. Even then rehabilitation centres will only admit a patient once they are sure that the patient really wants to overcome his problem and that he is committed to the success of rehabilitation.

The first and often most difficult part of rehabilitation is the detoxification of the addict. Patients experience withdrawal symptoms, pain and often other side effects such as insomnia, nausea and excessive sweating. In addition, many patients become depressed and demotivated. During this phase medication to alleviate the side effects is prescribed only if truly deemed necessary because the patient must learn that medication cannot always solve problems.

As soon as the patient is completely detoxified the real rehabilitation program can begin. The patient will have to learn techniques to cope with life without needing help from addictive substances such as pain killers. Patients are taught how to prepare balanced meals, exercise properly and cope with stress. They are also encouraged to communicate their feelings when things are difficult.

When a patient completes a rehabilitation program he, as well as his loved ones, are warned that a dangerous period awaits. The patient will have to take up life again and all too often they quickly fall back into their old harmful habits. The only solution is to continue with therapy, to become part of support groups and to speak to loved ones when things seem dark and futile.

Addiction has a serious influence on society as a whole. Addicts will often go to almost any lengths to satisfy their cravings. They are often anti social and sometimes even aggressive. They are unproductive and completely self centred. However, with professional help they can live full lives once more.




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