In 2019, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that approximately 10.1 million people over 12 had misused opioids over the year.
Unfortunately, the U.S. opioid epidemic has become far too prevalent in recent history. Opioid addiction in Austin, TX is at an all-time high where women appear to be equally affected as men.
At Emerge Recovery TX we strive to provide world-class care for women struggling with opioid addiction. We provide a wholesome opioid addiction treatment program incorporating innovative and effective techniques used by professionals globally.
Opioid Drug Rehabilitation in Austin: The Opioid Crisis
Opioids are the term we use to describe a subset of pharmaceuticals formulated to provide patients with exceptional pain relief.
Many prescription drugs fall under the ‘opioid’ category, where some of the most common ones include oxycodone(OxyContin), fentanyl, morphine, methadone, and tramadol—to name a few. Heroin, an illicit drug with no known medical use, is a derivative of morphine and falls under the opioid category.
It’s important to realize that the opioid crisis is a genuine issue. Opioids, when abused over a long period, will put a person into a state of dependence. As well, an opioid overdose can
Opioids act on the central nervous system, specifically the brain. Animals contain numerous opioid receptors throughout their brain, spinal cord, and gut.
And it is through these receptors that the opiates act on. In an opioid overdose, the brain essentially losses its ability to regulate many autonomic body functions.
However, in the case of an opioid overdose, respiratory depression appears as the predominant clinical sign. So, what does this all mean? Well, with an opioid overdose, a person essentially losses their ability to ‘breathe,’ resulting in acute respiratory failure.
What are the impacts of opioid addiction on women?
Opioid Use Disorder is an ongoing issue affecting many women across Austin, TX. Research shows that women, particularly those of child-bearing age, are prescribed opioids for acute pain relief more often than men, leading to an increased risk of substance abuse.
It is also crucial to recognize that women, unfortunately, bear a significant and more psychological/behavioral burden when compared to men.
For example, studies show that women were more likely to have experienced some form of mental illness, including depression, post-traumatic stress, or gender-based violence.
Treating an Addiction to Opioids & Opiates
Treating an addiction to opioids in Austin will require the aid of medical professionals and therapists. In addition, due to the nature of the condition, opioid addiction treatment will require a comprehensive diagnostic work-up, assessment, and treatment plan.
Therapists and physicians utilize a whole-patient approach by using medications and behavioral therapy.
MAT, Medication Assisted Treatment, is often part of the addiction treatment program as it controls the symptoms of withdrawal during the recovery phase. In addition, studies show that opioid addiction programs which utilize MAT as part of their protocol may increase social functioning, thus reducing the risk of relapse in a patient.
We must emphasize that the MAT program is done under the supervision of licensed medical professionals. The dosage of each medication is adjusted to ensure that a patient can slowly taper off an opioid addiction without suffering from withdrawal symptoms. This tapering down from an opioid addiction can help restore the brain circuit allowing a patient to heal and recover.
Emerge Recovery TX: Opioid Drug Rehabilitation for Women in Austin
When it comes to treating opioid addiction in Austin, TX, our team at Emerge Recovery TX is here to help. The Emerge Recovery opioid addiction treatment program is designed to provide women with the tools they need during their recovery.
- Individual counseling
- Group Therapy & Focus Groups
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- 12 Step Facilitation, and more!
If you or a loved one suffers from opioid addiction then talk to us today to learn more about our opioid drug rehabilitation in Austin.