In 2018, around 2 million people were struggling with an opioid use disorder (OUD), or the long-term or prolonged use of and dependence on opioids which eventually causes serious health problems. Often, people take opioids prescribed by doctors for medical conditions (i.e., pain management) and then eventually become dependent on them. This problematic pattern can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a highly-regulated hybrid treatment in which patients undergo counseling and behavior therapy in conjunction with prescribed medication to treat patient disorders holistically. According to SAMHSA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of MAT medicines as it has effectively met each patient’s needs.
Throughout history, alcohol drinking has been embedded in many of our social practices, from simply relaxing to celebrating and parties. While a couple of drinks now and again doesn’t cause too many issues, heavily and frequently drinking could lead some people down a dark path – alcohol abuse.
Substance abuse therapy is necessary to recover and heal from substance use disorders. Aside from the substance dependence and physical health repercussions of drug abuse, mental health and everyday behavior change when one consumes addictive compounds. In the long run, when substance use disorder is left untreated, it may eventually cause harm to the family and friends of the victim and the sober community. To prevent this potential danger, addiction treatment that is personalized and specific to the type of substance used is designed to be more efficient and cater to the needs of the individual suffering from one of the leading health crises in the United States.
In 2020, the world shifted its focus to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, another pandemic continues to grow in many parts of the world, and that is the use and misuse of synthetic drugs and chemicals. In a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, there has been a record level rise in the production and trafficking of these drugs, which include crystal methamphetamine. While this drug is widely misused, with around 24.7 million reported abusers worldwide, it remains a highly misunderstood drug.
In the last few years, opioid addiction has become an increasing problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 1999-2018, nearly 450,000 people have died of an opioid overdose, including illicit and prescription opioids.
Alcohol abuse and addiction are prevalent issues in the US. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 14 million people ages 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
An addiction treatment becomes successful when the individual stops using the substance or substances and maintains a sober, happy, healthy, and prosperous life. But the road to recovery is not easy as addiction is a disease— one cannot simply stop taking drugs and get well. The type of treatment program a person receives would depend on the severity of their condition and situation.
Addiction recovery has been a lasting need in the United States. In addition to individuals who suffered in their work environments and schools, substance addiction has jeopardized most families due to its devastating financial and health repercussions. With that said, new methods and medications have been created to lessen the fatality of addictive substances and their control to individuals. From preventing alcoholism to reversing opioid overdose, the treatment space and healthcare industry designed prescription drugs to counter the effects of illicit and unbeneficial compounds.
The state of intoxication from alcohol is commonly known as being drunk. It is a temporary condition that comes with both physical and behavioral changes. It results from the consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol within a relatively brief time. When one consumes alcohol at a faster rate than their body can metabolize it, they become intoxicated.