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The Ongoing Opioid Crisis and Navigating a Path to Recovery

October 24, 2024

As today's packed news cycle focuses on world and domestic politics, the opioid epidemic lingers and continues to devastate American communities. According to the latest data, more than 110,000 across the country have died from drug overdoses in the 12 months ending in April 2023, with over 112,000 overdose deaths reported in the most recent 12-month period of 2024. Synthetics like fentanyl, as well as prescription painkillers and illicits, remain the primary drivers of these tragic fatalities.

The Devastating Scale of Opioid Addiction

The scale of the opioid crisis remains staggering. Nationwide, over 1.1% of the population struggles with addiction to these dangerous substances. Plus, the consequences of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) reach far beyond the individual, impacting families, workplaces, and the broader healthcare system.

But recovery is possible.

While overcoming opioid addiction represents an immense challenge, the good news is recovery is possible. Navigating a path to a drug-free life requires a comprehensive therapeutic approach to addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. Effective therapeutic care typically includes medically assisted detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, behavioral therapies to address the root causes of one's addiction, and the support services needed to aid the transition back into daily life.

Personalized Care and Medication-Assisted Treatment

At Palmetto Pain Management, we understand the challenges and complexities charting a path to recovery presents. Our trained and experienced professional team offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) to help individuals stop using, get through withdrawal, and cope with the urges to resume drug use. We provide sensitive and understanding care— getting to know our patients, their families, and the unique challenges faced in recovery.

As part of our medication-assisted treatment protocol for OUD and AUD, we are trained and certified to prescribe Suboxone and Vivitrol. While this medication reduces the urge for using, it also reverses their effects, thereby alleviating the difficulties of drug withdrawal and offering a viable solution for recovery.

 

The hope and promise of getting the right care

The path to recovery is not easy, but with comprehensive, evidence-based treatment and a supportive network, those struggling with OUD / AUD can reclaim their lives. By raising awareness of the scale of this crisis and the proven methods of treatment, our office can help guide more people toward the possibility of a healthier, addiction-free future.