Kentucky Opioid Addiction Treatment​

UNDERSTANDING OPIOID ADDICTION TREATMENT

Finding Opioid Addiction Treatment Centers​

Opioids, also known as narcotics, are commonly prescribed to relieve pain from surgery, injury, or chronic conditions. While effective short-term, they are highly addictive and include drugs like oxycodone, morphine, heroin, and fentanyl.

Opioids work by blocking pain signals in the brain and body, but their effects are temporary, often leading to increased use and higher doses over time. As prescriptions have declined, many individuals have turned to illicit options like heroin, contributing to rising addiction and overdose rates.

Efforts to reduce misuse include stricter prescription monitoring and laws to prevent “doctor shopping,” but opioid addiction remains a serious and ongoing issue.

HOW TO KNOW IF SOMEONE IS NEEDS OPIOID ADDICTION TREATMENT 

The Effects of the Opioid Addiction Crisis in Kentucky​

Despite the ongoing fight against opioids at the state and federal levels, many states, including Kentucky, still struggle with increasing rates of opioid use and overdose-related deaths. Each year, thousands of people die from opioid overdose in states all across the nation. In 2018, more than 67,000 Americans lost their lives to drug-related overdose. Of those, nearly 49,000 were linked to opioid use. As many as 90% of those who struggle with any form of addiction will begin using (or drinking) before the age of eighteen.

While national statistics are indeed sobering, Kentucky also continues to struggle with the opioid epidemic. Between 2014 and 2016, the rate of fatal drug overdose in Kentucky nearly quadrupled. By the end of 2016, the rate of fatal overdose had reached approximately 24 per every 100,000 residents. This number was, at the time, nearly double the national drug overdose death rate. According to data provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Kentucky ranks among the top ten states for the most opioid-related overdose deaths. Jefferson County alone reports approximately 1.8 deaths each day.

In 2018, medical examiners found opioids to be a contributing factor in almost 1000 drug overdose deaths. Although this marks a decrease from 2017, it still represents a rate of 23.4% of drug-related deaths. Like many other areas, the rising overdose numbers are primarily related to drugs. Learn more about our Opioid Addiction Treatment Program.

PREPARING FOR OPIOID ADDICTION TREATMENT

What to Look for in an Opioid Addiction Treatment Center​

When opioids are prescribed, they are meant as a short-term solution for pain management. Regular use of opioids can lead to tolerance and addiction. When someone develops a tolerance to opioids, it often leads to physical and psychological dependence. If you are physically dependent on a drug, you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to reduce or stop using it. Some of the most common opioids that lead to withdrawal symptoms include prescriptions such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Codeine, and Morphine and illicit drugs like Heroin.

Depending on the substance, withdrawal symptoms may occur in as few as six hours after your last use. The intensity and severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on various factors, including the severity of your addiction, how long you have been using, and if you have tried to stop using before and experienced a relapse. Overcoming opioid addiction can be dangerous and should be done in the safety of a Kentucky opioid treatment program. Opioid withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe. Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, agitation, body aches, difficulty sleeping, sweating, gastric disturbances, nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms include delirium tremens (DTs), irregular respirations, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. It is the more severe symptoms related to opioid withdrawal that make detoxing in a safe environment essential. During medically supervised detox at Robert Alexander Center for Recovery, our team of caring and compassionate Opioid Addiction Treatment professionals will provide support, guidance, and medical care throughout the detox process.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR OPIOID ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER

Our Kentucky Opioid Addiction Treatment Program ​

Overcoming opioid addiction requires professional support, as withdrawal can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Medically assisted detox provides a safe, supervised environment where symptoms are managed with medical care and support, making the early stages of recovery more stable and manageable.

With continued monitoring, evidence-based therapies, and personalized treatment plans, individuals can address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. From detox through aftercare, comprehensive treatment offers the structure, guidance, and support needed for lasting sobriety.