Update: Women and Older Adults Can Benefit from Opiate Addiction Treatment at Delaware Rehab Centers
Researchers at the University of Delaware are trying to figure out what drives opiate use and overdoses using crime statistics, toxicology reports, and other data from Delaware’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. While the study is still in its early stages, preliminary findings show that women and older adults must be the state’s key focus when studying opiate use. Delaware rehab centers can also use these findings to develop customized treatment programs geared toward women and older residents.
From early 2013 to late 2014, the legal prescription of opioid drugs in Delaware increased by 7%. During that same two-year time frame, adults over the age of 50 saw the largest increase in opioid prescription drug use. It was also found that physicians prescribed opioids more frequently to women than men.
Tammy Anderson, principal investigator for Prescription Drug Abuse Projects within the Center for Drug and Health Studies at UD says the state needs to gain a better understanding of why prescription rates for opioids have risen in recent years.
If you or someone you love is battling addiction to fentanyl or another opioid, call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to speak with a treatment specialist. We’re available 24/7 to provide you with resources about rehab centers and other treatments that can help you achieve sobriety.
The Dangers of Fentanyl and Opioids
Access to affordable rehab is necessary to end the opiate addiction cycle.
Fentanyl is a high-intensity opioid painkiller often prescribed to patients with terminal cancer, and is 50 times more powerful than heroin, says the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Taking fentanyl just one time without a prescription or not as directed can lead to severe health complications, including death.
The state has seen a significant increase in fentanyl overdoses within the past few years, but the legal prescription for the drug hasn’t changed. This means that most overdose deaths associated with fentanyl are being caused by illegally manufactured drugs. Between January and May 2016, a total of 44 individuals died from fentanyl overdoses in the state of Delaware.
Fentanyl and other opioid drugs attach to receptors in the reward center of your brain, which fuels addiction and the need for more opioids. Taking opioids not as directed or without a prescription can increase the risk for addiction, overdose, and death.
Drug Rehab Centers in Delaware Need Extra Funds to Combat Addiction
Seeking Treatment From Opioid Rehab Centers
If Delaware gets the extra funding it needs to expand access to rehab centers across the state, medical staff can develop unique treatment programs geared toward women and older adults who suffer from opioid abuse. Physicians and counselors can also gain insight as to why Delaware is facing an opiate epidemic, and work toward developing a solution that lowers opioid addiction and abuse rates.
Opioid rehab centers can help patients stop abusing opioids while minimizing cravings and withdrawal symptoms at the same time. Many opiate addiction treatments involve the use of one or more medications that can help reduce discomfort through the detox stage. When detox is complete, physicians can wean, or taper patients off medications until they’re healthier and completely drug-free.
In addition to offering effective detox treatments, opioid rehab centers conduct individual and group therapy sessions, and educate patients on substance abuse. Recovering opioid addicts can also learn how to put their lives back together once treatment has ended. Most rehab centers offer aftercare programs so patients can continue to receive ongoing education and lower their risk for relapse.
If you or someone you love is battling opiate addiction, understand that you’re not alone in your fight. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about Delaware rehab centers that offer treatment for opioid addiction. We’ll provide you with the resources you need to combat addiction and get back to living a fulfilling, successful, and happy life.
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