It is probably best to begin with some grim figures. 33,091 deaths in 2015 were the result of an opioid overdose. You may already be aware that in 2016 drug overdose took the lives of 64,000 Americans. Primarily the result of opioid drugs, with heroin and fentanyl causing the greatest number. As 2017 enters its final chapter, most experts believe there will be an even greater number of overdose deaths this year.

Naturally, the clock cannot be turned back. Decisions made years ago cannot be undone. If you are one of the millions of people to be affected by an opioid use disorder, there isn’t a cure. However, there is a way out of the powerlessness and unmanageability that you find encompassing your life. And while there isn’t a cure, there are ways to manage your illness free from using mind-altering substances. It won’t be easy, but it will definitely be worth it. Because in the end, it will be recovery that saved your life.

The Stakes of Opioid Use Disorder

Regardless of which road you took to the dead end of opioid addiction, the way out is through working a program of recovery. If you read the figures above, then you know that overdose is hardly a matter of if, but rather a matter of when. If you have yet to experience an overdose, you are fortunate. Some people experience many before the final one. But, overdose and overdose death does not have to be your story. Help is available.

Nobody can walk the road of recovery for you. Although, there are scores of people in your area and beyond who can help show you the way. Being the living embodiment of the possibilities of recovery. They too, once were you: looking up at the bottom. With little hope, they made a choice to embrace the principles of a life-saving program. Often beginning the journey aided by an addiction treatment center. While there, tools and skills were imparted, increasing their chances of achieving long-term recovery.

If treatment worked for such people, it can also work for you. As long as you are willing to take certain steps and follow direction. After all, the path you are currently on is not working. And, continuing down the path you find yourself will only lead to more heartache—certainly. Jails, institutions and death have long been the typical outcomes for every addict. You can’t give addiction back, once you have it, it is yours for the rest of one’s days. But, you can “let go” and embrace the light of recovery. By doing so, you will no longer be at risk of becoming a statistic, like the people in the figures above.

Treatment Works

At Guardian IOP we can help you throw a wrench in the gear works of addiction. Teach you how a life in addiction recovery is the only option. With opioid use disorder, the stakes are increasingly high, with a greater prevalence of synthetic opioids, like fentanyl and carfentanil. Such drugs are often mixed with heroin or pressed and stamped to resemble OxyContin. We need not list the inherent risks of such a practice.

If you are ready to break the cycle of addiction, please contact us today. Recovery doesn’t have to just be a dream, it can be your reality.

Anna-Barrett

Reviewed for accuracy by:

Anna earned her Masters of Social Work at Barry University in Miami, FL in 2017 and completed her internship in co-occurring disorders. Anna has a Bachelors of Art in Religious Studies from Naropa University and is a certified yoga and meditation instructor. Anna has received specialized training in somatic counseling with an emphasis on body-centered psychotherapy.