Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in Massachusetts misuse opioid drugs or medication. Many will develop diagnosable problems related to opioids, and sadly, thousands will overdose and die. You or your loved one can avoid this fatal outcome by enrolling in a Massachusetts opioid rehab center. A rehab center can also help you recover from even the most severe forms of opioid addiction.
But what if you or a loved one are already facing opioid-related problems and don’t have time to enroll in a long-term treatment program? In these cases, Evoke Waltham can help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Evoke Waltham at 866.276.1920 to learn more about opioid addiction treatment near you in Massachusetts.
What Is Opioid Abuse?
Opioid abuse is a term with multiple meanings. In some cases, it refers to the misuse of opioid medication. Potential forms of misuse include:
- Increasing the amount or frequency of your medication use above the intended levels
- Taking a medication not prescribed to you
- Finding ways to increase the speed of an opioid’s effect on your system
- Using a medicine recreationally instead of for therapeutic reasons
- Buying medication from an illicit or illegal source
The term opioid abuse can also refer to a non-addicted pattern of misuse that still causes serious harm. Along with addiction, such a pattern constitutes the condition known as opioid use disorder (OUD).
Opioid Misuse and Addiction
Any misuse of opioids can increase your risk for eventual addiction. Why? When you take an opioid drug or medication, it alters your normal brain chemistry. One of the key results of this alteration is euphoria, an extreme version of everyday pleasure. Another significant effect is a high degree of pain relief.
Whether they’re seeking euphoria or pain relief, some people will start misusing opioids. Over time, this increased use can leave you physically dependent on a drug or medication. If misuse continues at this point, you may also develop emotional or psychological dependence. As a result, you may find yourself compulsively seeking out more opioids. This involuntary behavior marks a well-known threshold for opioid addiction.
Opioid Abuse in Massachusetts and How Common Is OUD?
Almost one in every 20 people in Massachusetts has OUD. This figure includes adults, as well as teens and preteens. Even before the arrival of COVID-19, the rate of opioid problems was climbing. Since the pandemic began, that rate has gone up even further.
When you take an opioid, it depresses your central nervous system. In other words, it slows the nerve activity in your brain and spinal cord. If that activity slows down too much, you can experience the toxic, potentially fatal reaction known as an overdose. If you misuse an opioid, your overdose risks can increase dramatically.
Unfortunately, opioid overdoses are not uncommon. Recent figures show that more than 2,000 Massachusetts residents die yearly. And the trend in annual fatalities is rising.
Is Opioid Rehab an Option for You?
If you have OUD, opioid rehab is key to your recovery. The typical treatment plan for opioid addiction includes the following:
- Medication that helps you safely withdraw from opioids and establish abstinence
- Psychotherapy enables you to create a lasting, opioid-free lifestyle
Several OUD medications and therapies are available. An effective plan includes options geared to your specific needs.
Learn More About Opioid Abuse in Massachusetts at Evoke Waltham
Want to know more about the dangers of opioid abuse in MA? Talk to the experts at Evoke Waltham. Every day we provide guidance for Massachusetts residents affected by opioid problems. Our extensive experience allows us to answer any questions you may have.
Are you or your loved one currently affected by opioid addiction or opioid abuse in Massachusetts? Evoke Waltham is here for you with comprehensive recovery services. We support your return to long-lasting sobriety no matter how OUD impacts you. Call us today at 866.276.1920 for more information. You can also reach us through our online contact form.
