Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans from all walks of life. Opioids are a class of drugs that impact the central nervous system by blocking pain and creating a sense of euphoria. Unfortunately, they have the potential to become highly addictive, especially when improperly used. While most people are aware of the current opioid epidemic in our nation, unless they know someone in the grips of opioid addiction, they do not understand its crippling effects.
At Harmony Hills, we are committed to helping end the crisis of opioid addiction. Our opioid addiction treatment program in Florida offers the latest evidence-based, holistic therapeutic approaches to help you or your loved one overcome opioid addiction. Today, reach out to an addiction specialist to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment program by calling 855.494.0357.
Understanding When It’s Time to Seek Help for Opioid Use
The ongoing opioid crisis has been fueled by a combination of prescription painkillers, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and street drugs such as heroin. In some cases, even medications meant to support recovery—like Suboxone—are misused, contributing to the problem.
Opioid addiction often starts with legitimate prescriptions for managing severe or chronic pain, including after surgery or during cancer treatment. Because these medications are prescribed by doctors, it can be difficult for individuals to recognize when their use has become dangerous. Still, there are key warning signs that may indicate the need for professional support from an opioid treatment program:
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Misusing medication: Are you taking higher doses than prescribed or using the drug in ways it wasn’t intended, such as crushing or snorting it?
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Loss of control: Do you feel unable to stop using, struggle with cravings, or become irritable or anxious without access to the drug?
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Withdrawal symptoms: Do you experience things like chills, sweating, nausea, or muscle pain when you’re not using?
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Disrupted daily life: Has your use affected your job, relationships, legal standing, or responsibilities?
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Obsessive focus on getting drugs: Do you find yourself constantly thinking about, searching for, or finding ways to obtain more pills—even seeing multiple doctors to get prescriptions?
If any of these signs sound familiar, it could mean your opioid use has reached a dangerous point, even if the drugs were prescribed. At Harmony Hills, we know that seeking treatment isn’t always easy, but ignoring the problem can lead to serious, even life-threatening, consequences. Reaching out for help is a brave and potentially life-saving first step.
Health Risks Associated with Opioid Addiction
If you are suffering from an opioid use disorder, you are not alone. Opioid addiction affects millions of Americans from all walks of life. Opioids work by activating receptors on cells throughout the body to block pain signals and release large amounts of dopamine, and they work very well. Their effectiveness is precisely what makes them so highly addictive. Side effects of opioid use can include:
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Dizziness and confusion
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
- Euphoria
- Respiratory depression
- Increased tolerance
- Dependency
Opioid addiction can create long-term changes to your brain. As a result, opioids carry a severe risk for overdose that can result in death. Recent statistics indicate that opioids kill nearly 100 Americans daily. Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, the rates of overdose skyrocketed across the nation.
Contact Harmony Hills for Opioid Addiction Treatment Program in Florida
Mainly because of its geographic location, Florida plays a significant role in the drug trafficking trade. Easy accessibility to illegal drugs dramatically contributes to the opioid crisis in Florida. At Harmony Hills, we are dedicated to being on the front lines in the battle against opioid addiction in Florida and beyond. We proudly provide a wide array of therapies that have been extensively studied by experts in the fields of addiction and mental health treatment. Among the evidence-based treatment we offer are:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- EMDR therapy
- Relapse prevention therapy
Addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders affect everyone differently. When you enter opioid addiction treatment at Harmony Hills in Florida, our team will take the time to get to know you and your goals for recovery to create a treatment plan best suited to your unique needs. If you are ready to regain control of your life, call us today at 855.494.0357.
