The Pennsylvania opioid crisis- Where to find help
Every year, opioid addiction impacts the lives of thousands of people across America. Pennsylvania is among the states that have been hit the worst by this crisis. In 2016, a report by the C.D.C revealed that opioid-related overdoses resulted in the death of more than 42,000 in the country. In Pennsylvania, these cases are still on the rise.The opioid addiction crisis has reached a level that affects not the health sector, but also the economy of the country. Experts believe that the problem started in the early 1990s when doctors began prescribing opioids for the treatment of pain. However, the crisis has intensified in recent years due to the influx of synthetic opioids and cheap heroin.
How the Government Has Responded to the Opioid Crisis
In the last few years, the U.S government has intensified efforts to cut both local and international supply of these drugs. Meanwhile, state and federal governments are focusing on reducing the demand for these drugs by cracking the whip on drug users and also by encouraging those affected to join rehabilitation programs.
What opioids are contributing to the crisis?
Opioids are highly controlled substances under both federal and state drug laws. Opioid medications that have resulted in the current crisis include morphine, oxycodone, methadone, and hydrocodone. Some doctors are still prescribing opioids to their patients despite their numerous concerns regarding their safety and effectiveness.For many years, heroin has been the most commonly abused opioid. Despite the intensified war on drugs, the supply of heroin in the U.S continues to rise. The drug is now common in the streets where it is retailing at a third the price it was about three decades ago.
More people are increasingly turning to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, which have been found to be extremely harmful to human health. Many drug users are falling for synthetic opioids because they are cheaper and more potent than heroin. Both heroin and synthetic opioids are in most cases used in combination with other drugs such as alcohol and cocaine. The combination is the main cause of numerous deaths that have been witnessed in Pennsylvania and across the country.
Steps being taken to contain opioid crisis?
Initially, the federal and state governments relied on harsh anti-drug laws to control the use and distribution of these drugs. But this approach was highly criticized for failing to keep drug users away from the drugs. Most recently, the government has shifted to prevention and treatment.Individuals are also being encouraged to take their loved ones to drug treatments centers where they can get help. As most experts will agree, the process of withdrawing from these drugs is difficult. That’s why Pennsylvania drug rehab is here to help you. It’s too risky for an average person to go through this process on their own.
At Pennsylvania rehab, numerous quality programs can help the affected person to past opioid withdrawal symptoms. Besides, a Pennsylvania rehab center can also help with other related problems such as alcoholism what’s more! You can choose an intensive outpatient program that fits in your schedule.
If you are tired of being a victim of opioid addiction, it’s time to join our treatment center for assistance. By working together, we can make your recovery process easier and less painful. Contact us today for a consultation