If you or a loved one find yourself exploring treatment options for addictions in Utah, Liberty Addiction Recovery is the perfect support system to provide relief from addiction. Our team of highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals understands that recovery can often be a long and difficult journey, and thus strive to provide tailored and comprehensive treatment plans. With our help, those affected by addiction can learn how to cope with their struggles and take the necessary steps toward sobriety. We make sure that every individual receives individualized care so they can develop the right mindset for achieving lasting results.
At Liberty Addiction Recovery, we are dedicated to providing an environment of warmth and support where individuals can feel comfortable while they work on healing themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our compassionate staff works hard to ensure that everyone is receiving the best possible care. We understand that deep-rooted problems cannot be solved overnight- so we focus on using evidence-based approaches to empower people struggling with addiction by gradually teaching them healthy coping skills in order to transition into a life of healing and recovery.
We firmly believe that no matter how severe someone’s addiction may seem, there is hope for change. Our goal is to help individuals reclaim their independence by providing them with the tools they need to overcome their addictions. We not only teach them techniques for managing their cravings but also provide guidance on sustaining long-term sobriety. Moreover, our team will be with you each step of the way – guiding you through any bumps in the road – until you feel confident in your newfound strength.
It is important to Avoid Addictions
Taking proactive steps to avoid becoming addicted to drugs, alcohol, and nicotine is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One of the most important steps people can take is establishing healthy habits such as exercising regularly and eating nutritious meals.
Additionally, it’s beneficial to have a strong support system of friends and family members who can help one stay on track when difficult cravings start to arise. Having an activity or hobby that keeps you distracted can also be helpful in terms of keeping yourself away from damaging substance abuse.
Finally, if you feel like cravings are becoming unmanageable, seeking professional help from a licensed therapist or addictions specialist may be the best way out of the problem. With diligence and a bit of determination, anyone can successfully prevent themselves from developing an addiction that could potentially ruin their lives. You exploring treatment options for addictions in Utah is not an ideal situation. But if it comes to it, Liberty Addiction is here to help you and keep you as comfortable as possible in the process.
What to Know About Opioids
Every day in the United States, 41 people succumb to the dangers of prescription opioid overdose. These drugs, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine, are given by doctors to relieve severe pain, but they can also come with serious risks and side effects. This has reached epidemic proportions, as more and more people of various demographics are being put in harm’s way.
Opioids are drugs used to treat pain, but when abused, they can lead to a host of dangerous and life-threatening risks. Opioids come in the form of both legal prescription medications like OxyContin and Vicodin, as well as illegal substances such as heroin. Overuse of opioids leads to addiction and physical dependence which can cause severe health complications such as organ failure and long-term mental health issues. In addition, taking too much can be fatal as it causes slowed or suppressed breathing and heart rate. Understanding how powerful these drugs really are is critical for ensuring their safe use for medical purposes and preventing individuals from becoming victims of accidental overdose or addiction.
As communities team up with government agencies and medical professionals alike to combat this crisis, it is critical that we pay attention to this concerning statistic and do our part in making fairer access to better medical treatment a reality for everyone.
Common Prescription Opioids
Opioids are potent pain-relieving medicines that contain components that help relax the body. By and large, they address moderate to extreme discomfort; some opioids may be taken for dealing with coughing or diarrhea as well. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for these drugs to be abused since their use can cause euphoria – a feeling of intense pleasure and relaxation. This kind of misuse has led to an escalating opioid addiction problem in many countries, further compounded by overdoses and fatalities caused due to opioid abuse. Heroin is one such notorious example; this substance is illegal in the United States and never prescribed as medicine there. Common prescription opioids are:
- hydrocodone (Vicodin®) oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®)
- oxymorphone (Opana®)
- morphine (Kadian®, Avinza®)
- codeine
- fentanyl
Effects that Opioids can have on the Body
Initially, opioids can bring soothing pain relief as well as a sense of joy and relaxation. However, these powerful drugs also come with several potential risks that should not be overlooked. Over-reliance on these medications can lead to physical and psychological dependence, as well as an increased tolerance which in turn requires higher doses in order to experience the same effect. This is why it is important to take opioids only under the supervision of a doctor or health care professional.
The most common side effects associated with opioid use include drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation, and even euphoria in some cases. In addition to this, long-term usage increases the risk of respiratory complications due to slowed breathing which can be life-threatening. More severe opioid-related symptoms may even include shallow breathing, heart failure, coma, or death if left untreated. Furthermore, individuals who misuse opioids put themselves at risk for developing conditions like liver damage and kidney failure due to their altered chemical composition.
Misusing opioids can lead to hypoxia, a potentially dangerous condition when the brain is deprived of oxygen. The effects of opioid addiction on the brain may be severe and widespread – ranging from a coma to permanent damage or even death in more serious cases. Scientists are currently analyzing if the lasting injury caused by this substance abuse can be reversed over time.
Opioids are Very Addictive
Opioids are powerful drugs that can be incredibly habit-forming, and this is not something to take lightly. Research indicates that opioid use on a regular basis can quickly lead to dependency and addiction – and the effects of this on the brain and nervous system have been widely documented. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict how your body will react to opioids when you first start using them; for this reason, it’s imperative that if opioids are used – even as prescribed doses – they’re taken with extreme caution. We at Liberty Addiction are here to inform you about how dangerous opioids can be. If you have abused your prescription, don’t be afraid to begin exploring treatment options for addictions in Utah.
Major Risks
It is a sobering truth that opioids are not only highly addictive but potentially lethal as well. While pain relief is one of the primary benefits associated with opioids, the risks must also be taken into account: misuse, addiction, and overdose can all lead to deadly consequences. Even more alarming is the fact that when opioids are combined with other substances such as alcohol or cough medication, the risk of death increases significantly. This is due to the powerful influence these drugs have on our brains’ ability to regulate our breathing rate; if too much is taken, it can lead to a slowing of respiration and potentially death. Ultimately, we must remain cognizant of opioid risks in order to protect ourselves from potentially life-threatening consequences.
Helpful Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Opioid Addiction
- Do Not Share Medication
It is essential to only take prescription medication that has been prescribed to you, as medications have different effects on different people and could result in adverse side effects. Taking another person’s prescription medicine means ingesting a drug that wasn’t specifically tailored for your individual needs – even if you believe it is treating the same symptoms. Additionally, sharing medication with others can put them at risk for health complications and even potentially life-threatening scenarios. So protect yourself and those around you by taking only the prescribed medicines meant for you and avoiding medications prescribed for any other person.
- Only take as Much as Prescribed
Taking prescription medications as your doctor prescribed is an important part of managing any condition or illness. It’s tempting to take more medicine when symptoms persist, however, this can do more harm than good. Taking too much can cause serious side effects and worsen the ailment, rather than cure it. It is vital to stick to the quantity and frequency your doctor has instructed you to take it if you want to effectively improve your health. Follow instructions, and seek advice from a healthcare professional if unsure, but never exceed recommendations – your body will thank you for it!
- Lock up Your Medicines
Keeping medicines in a safe place is incredibly important. This is especially true when it comes to prescription opioids because of the potential for misuse. Storing these medications in a keyed medicine cabinet, or other similar secure location will help ensure that young children and visitors won’t have access to them. Access to prescription opioids can have serious consequences and, unfortunately, can even lead to addiction or death. Following commonsense safety tips like these is crucial when properly managing these medications.
- Don’t use Expired Medications
Prescription opioids are powerful drugs that can have unintended consequences when left to sit in a home medicine cabinet beyond their useful life. It is important to take steps as soon as possible to safely dispose of any expired or unused opioid medications. Start by checking with your pharmacist to see if you can return the medications to them – many offer this service. Alternately, find a nearby medicine take-back location through various organizations and initiatives looking to keep opioids out of circulation in the wrong hands. It’s worth taking a few minutes for peace of mind.
If you Find Yourself or a Loved one Struggling, Trust the Experts at Liberty Addiction
If you or someone your care about is struggling with addiction, you do not have to go through it alone. Here at Liberty Addiction we treat more than opioids, we treat many other drug addictions, alcohol, and nicotine. It takes great courage to acknowledge that there is a problem and take steps towards getting help – and there are people who can support you on this journey. From opioids to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs, we at Liberty are here to provide assistance and offer comfort in order to find the path to recovery. Many resources are available both online and in person, where addiction is addressed safely, sensitively, and effectively. Taking the step to begin exploring treatment options for addictions in Utah is a brave step. Taking this step can make all the difference in overcoming substance abuse problems.
We Get to the Root of Your Problem
- Healing Your Mind
Addiction can have a significantly detrimental impact on an individual’s mental health. Low self-esteem, guilt, shame, depression, and anxiety are just some of the issues that may arise with addiction. For those facing a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders such as substance use disorder and mental illness, this is especially true. However, caring for your mental health during recovery will not only decrease any chances of relapse but also provide you with new ways to manage sober life stressors more effectively moving forward.
- Healing Your Body
Substance abuse and the chemicals you introduce to your body while in active addiction can have drastic consequences on your well-being. You could experience vitamin deficiencies, a weakened immune system, or even skin, heart, and lung issues, etc. By introducing a wholesome diet and exercise into an extensive rehabilitation therapy program you will be able to recharge and heal from addiction.
- Healing Your Spirit
Spiritual wellbeing is essential in your recovery journey, no matter how you interpret and connect with a “higher power.” Taking time to be in nature or practicing gratitude, meditation, and even the 12-step program will help fortify your values and self-worth while generating positive energy for an enduring sober life.
Reach out to us at Liberty Addiction Recovery today and find yourself again. When exploring treatment options for addictions in Utah, know that we are a smart choice because we provide lasting recovery. Call us at (801) 997-9183 or fill out our Contact Form today.
