Opioid Dependence
IDENTIFY AND UNDERSTAND OPIOID DEPENDENCE
Opioid Addiction is a CHRONIC DISEASE due to a deficiency of dopamine, a brain chemical that allows people to feel normal, deal with life, be content and happy. It is every bit as much a chronic disease as diabetes which is due to a deficiency of insulin in the pancreas or even Parkinson’s disease which is also due to the deficiency of dopamine.
The term “opioid dependence” refers to physical dependence on opioids. When someone becomes physically dependent on a substance, their body relies on it to avoid withdrawal. In this case, instead of making enough of its own opioids, the body has begun to rely outside opioids to maintain normal function.
Insurances We Accept :
- Medicare
- Medicaid (Anthem, Aetna, Humana, Passport-Molina, WellCare)
- BCBS
- Humana
- Aetna
- MultiPlanAlliance Coal
- Cigna
- CareSource
- HealthLink
- TriCare East
- UMWA
- And others…
How Does it Happen?
Often the first time it’s as simple as a prescription for painkillers.
Physical addiction to painkillers and heroin affects numerous people in the US as well as worldwide. It is a problem that affects many different people, their families, and their communities. It is a monster that does not discriminate based on race, religion, or social class. Unfortunately, many people who struggle with an opiate addiction may be reluctant to ask for help due to a stigma that is a “character flaw” or a poor “morale” choice….
Opiate addiction is a chronic disease of the brain resulting from a deficiency of dopamine. This is the chemical of the brain that allows us to feel “normal” and experience genuine contentment and happiness. The dopamine deficiency in an addicted person may be due to genetic predisposition or events/traumas that were endured previously in life. This person may have fears, anxieties, and low self-esteem that no one knows about. They put on a great false face in order to fit into their surroundings. If this person ever takes an opiate the majority of their abnormal feelings go away and for the first time in their life they may feel “normal”, good or even great.
Contributing Factors Increasing the Risk for Addiction
Genetics | A History of Family Substance Abuse | Poverty | Environmental Factors & Influences | Mental Illness | Physical Injury Leading to Opioid Dependence | Traumatic Life Event Combined with Poor Self Coping Skills.
This is the beginning of a long road of destruction. People begin to take more and more opiates to accomplish the same feeling and eventually there is not enough of the drug available to fill the need. The addicted person has developed so much tolerance to the opiates they begin to feel agitated, anxious, tired, and depressed. They may reach a point in which they feel so desperate that they would do almost anything to obtain their drugs. This includes lying, stealing, and even neglecting their own families. What began for most as mild withdrawal symptoms have turned into something that is almost unbearable. This is the point in an addicted person’s life that they can allow the disease to progress until the point of death or incarceration or they can seek treatment in order to make a change.
Opioid dependency is often an unintended consequence of proper pain management. Determining you are dependent is the first step to changing your life.
Our physicians are experts in leveraging the Suboxone treatment process and will clearly lay out a plan with milestones in order for you to track your process.
Treatment is a journey and the destination is your lasting sobriety. Our physicians at A New Start are dedicated to helping you achieve lasting change in your life.
Addiction is one of the greatest public health epidemics of the Century
The leading cause of death Ages 18-44 is now OVERDOSE, surpassing auto accidents, suicide, and gun-related deaths COMBINED.
1 in 9 people over age 12 have used an illicit drug in the last month = 19.7 Million people in YR 2017
72,000 Died of an Overdose in YR 2017. Increase of 5X from YR 2002 to YR 2017
Addicts will increase to higher amounts up to 50 Percocets Daily! Just to avoid withdrawals.
Here at A New Start we are the only addiction clinic to have two Board Certified Addictionology experts in Western Kentucky on Staff . W. Kelly Vincent, M.D. with over 25 years experience, and Barry Hardison, M.D. with more than 36 years experience. Let us help you Identify the opioid dependency – plan the treatment with you – change your journey and destination to achieve lasting change in your life.
MAKE THE CHOICE, LETS GET YOUR LIFE BACK NOW!
Opioid Addiction
Opioid Addiction is a chronic disease due to deficiency of dopamine, a brain chemical that allows people to feel normal, deal with life, be content & happy. As much a chronic disease as diabetes which is due to a deficiency of insulin in the pancreas.
Outpatient Care
Outpatient Care begins with selection of an Accredited Treatment Program.
MAT Treatment
MAT is an evidence-based practice that combines medication with counseling, behavioral therapies, psychosocial therapies, and social support services to treat substance use disorders, opioid dependence, and prevent opioid overdoses.
12 Step Program
The 12 Steps were created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous to establish guidelines to overcome an addiction to alcohol. The program gained enough success in its early years for other addiction support groups to adapt the steps to their own needs.
