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There is a good chance that, if you’ve spent any time paying attention to the news, you have heard about the drug epidemics that are gripping the United States. There is often the misconception that only a certain group of people will be impacted by heroin or prescription drugs. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, everyone is vulnerable to drugs and alcohol in one way or another.
Even if you live an upstanding life, helping others and always doing the right thing, there is nothing stopping the dark wave of addiction from spreading its wings upon you. All it takes is one monumental mistake to turn your life completely upside down.
In this article, we will dive further into these drug epidemics currently running rampant across the United States. We will also touch upon their impact, and the rehabilitation and detox options that can help you overcome your addiction and return to your happy, normal life.
Heroin is an incredibly strong drug with some incredibly serious consequences. Unfortunately, heroin use is on a meteoric rise from East to West across all of America. Between 2002 and 2013, heroin use and addiction among 18 to 25-year old Americans has increased significantly. The number of first time users is also on the rise. It is believed that heroin often originates due to opioid abuse. Three out of four users report abusing prescription opioids before switching over to heroin.
Even more startling is the number of heroin-related deaths. Between 2010 and 2015, deaths associated with heroin, or as a direct result of an overdose, have more than tripled. On top of that, it is vital to realize that drug abuse doesn’t just impact the user. It also impacts their friends, family members, loved ones, acquaintances, co-workers and trickles up to the whole nation.
While heroin and other synthetic opioids are obviously bad, it is often inferred that prescription drugs are even worse in terms of the propensity of addiction formation. In fact, the number of deaths associated with prescription opioids is far higher than deaths linked to synthetic opioids.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration concluded that overdose deaths from prescription drugs have reached epidemic levels. In 2016, approximately half of all opioid overdose deaths were linked to prescription medications. Between 1999 and 2008, deaths, sales, and treatment center admissions linked to opioid pain relievers all climbed substantially higher.
By 2015, the annual number of overdose deaths surpassed deaths from guns and car accidents combined. Suffice to say, the problem is serious, and the statistics are eye-opening. Researchers believe that the epidemic has been primarily caused by the over-prescription of powder opioids. Between 1991 and 2011, prescriptions for opioid painkillers tripled, from 76 million to 219 million. OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin were among the most commonly prescribed opioids.
The truth of the matter is that everyone can become a victim of the opioid epidemic. In the United States, most victims of addiction and overdose are of the working class. More rural parts of the country have been hit harder than the others. In Palm Beach County, Florida alone, the overdose deaths climbed from 149 in 2012 to 588 in 2016. In comparison, in Middletown, Ohio, the overdose deaths have quadrupled since 2000.
Nobody is invulnerable to drug abuse. Most people have a false sense of security, but they too could become a victim of drug abuse at some point in the future.
At the end of the day, kicking a drug and alcohol addiction is anything but quick and simple. It can take years to fully beat an addiction. Addicts must remember that recovery will be a constant struggle, even well after you’ve managed to break free. For some patients, they believe that they’ll be able to overcome their struggle on their own.
There is always a possibility, but it is much more difficult to travel the road alone. It can also be much more dangerous. It is pertinent to understand that going “cold turkey” and putting an end to drug use can result in severe withdrawal symptoms.
It’s in your best interest to have trained medical staff nearby when working tirelessly to kick your habit. With their assistance, you’ll be able to ensure that everything goes as smoothly and safely as possible. Therefore, it is best to enroll at a rehab facility, such as Detox of South Florida, instead of trying to conquer this problem on your own.
Drug rehabilitation is a long, drawn out process consisting of combined psychotherapeutic and medical treatment for dependency of alcohol, street, and prescription drugs. While some will see their addiction out to the end, others will come to a point where they believe a change is the only thing that will save their life. When you reach this point, you will need to decide if you want to go it alone or seek assistance from a licensed rehabilitation and detox facility.
Detox of South Florida provides more for people struggling with addiction. While there are no guarantees of no chance of relapse, this certified rehabilitation and detox center provides hope to patients and families at their most vulnerable. The facility not only offers a calming, positive, and safe setting, but also provides 24-hour medical care and monitoring. Each new patient begins with an individualized health care evaluation consisting of detox, mental health therapy, exercise, dietary modifications, treatment, recovery and continuation.
Enrolling in the inpatient drug rehabilitation program at Detox of South Florida is the best decision an addict will ever make. The highly trained staff and medical experts dig deep until they get to the root of the problem. When you walk out the door, you will be fully prepared to deal with whatever the world will throw your way.
One of the very best things about Detox of South Florida is the community. This rehab center is unlike anything of its kind, relying heavily on community to ensure that patients can remain on the right path toward recovery. Those enrolling in this program receive support and assistance from likeminded people on similar pathways. These individuals will provide hope, inspiration, and motivation to continue plowing forward in recovery and rehabilitation.
If you wish to avoid becoming a victim of the drug epidemics in the United States, Detox of South Florida is well worth checking out. You are not a statistic.
Dr. Vikram Tarugu, M.D, is the CEO of Detox of South Florida, Inc and medical professional focused on addiction. A veteran in the medical field with over 25 years of professional experience. He is a consultant for many South Florida Rehab centers. Patients travel from allover the US to seek his help with addiction and Hepatitis C treatment.
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