Melissa Etheridge Faces a Parent’s Worst Nightmare Due to Opioids
Melissa Etheridge’s Tragic Loss
In mid-May, Melissa Etheridge and her former spouse, Julie Cypher, lost their son.
Beckett lost his life to a struggle with opioid addiction.
On Twitter, Melissa Etheridge wrote: “Today I joined hundreds of thousands of families who have lost loved ones to opioid addiction. My son Beckett, who was just 21, struggled to overcome his addiction and finally succumbed to it today. He will be missed by those who loved him, his family, and friends.”
Unfortunately, this instance was far from an outlier.
Opioid-related overdose deaths rose from 21,088 to 47,600 between 2010 and 2017. In 2018, there were 46,802 opioid-involved overdose deaths.
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Prescription Opioid Abuse
Prescription painkiller misuse is one of the most common substance abuse issues.
It ranks as the second most common form of illicit drug use in the country. But it doesn’t end there.
Many individuals will graduate from prescription opioids to something stronger.
Many may start with opioids that were prescribed for a genuine medical need.
Over time, tolerance builds in the body and brain. When this happens, prescription opioids become less effective.
For individuals with chronic pain, this may cause problems. It may not be easy to let go of the pain relief and relaxation they achieved when the prescription began. And, just like that, an opioid addiction may begin.
Sometimes, heroin abuse is the next step for most opioid-addicted individuals.
What Comes Next
Research indicates that most heroin users started with prescription opioids.
In one study, 86% of participants had used opioid pain relievers before using heroin. The effects of heroin are similar but more potent. In some areas, heroin is cheaper and is also easier to get than prescription opioids in many cases.
This graduation is a dangerous one.
Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that typically gets worse over time.
These drugs alter your brain and make it difficult to quit even when you want to and when you know you need to.
The good news is that we know more about opioid addiction now than we ever have before.
At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we’ve spent years researching and developing the best treatment programs.
Our addiction treatment programs are backed by science and a dedicated, knowledgeable staff.
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Common Opioid Addiction Forms
Opioids work by blocking pain receptors in the body. Often, they’re blocking receptors in the brain and spinal cord. When this occurs, it convinces your brain that you are not in pain.
Prescription opioids are given when pain is severe or unresponsive to normal medications.
When you have a mild headache, you may reach for a heating pad or a bottle of ibuprofen.
When you break a bone, give birth, or have a tooth removed, your doctor may prescribe you an opioid painkiller.
However, it’s essential to remember that opioids are habit-forming and often lead to opioid addiction. As such, prescriptions are given cautiously, but opioid use becomes difficult to regulate once the patient leaves the office.
The most common prescription opioids are:
- Vicodin (Hydrocodone)
- OxyContin / Percocet (Oxycodone)
- Morphine
- Codeine
Pathways to Addiction
While morphine may be prescribed, it is more often used in illicit settings.
Heroin is an illicit opioid without an approved medical use.
Even when prescribed, opioids are generally only safe to take for very short periods of time. Most prescriptions will only allow for a few weeks of use at a time, although chronic pain may lead to an extended prescription.
A prescription may be sold or traded, or an individual may graduate to a stronger drug. Both of these are common pathways to opioid addiction.
The key to overcoming an opioid addiction is treatment.
Treatment should occur early and regularly, and it should continue even after you complete your initial program to ensure your sobriety.
Opioid Withdrawals
The first step in receiving opioid addiction help is often a medically-assisted detox.
This is the part that scares many patients before they enter treatment. However, it is much safer and more comfortable to detox in a monitored environment, like our opioid addiction treatment center, than it is to quit cold-turkey at home.
If withdrawal symptoms have led you to relapse in the past, we can help.
Opioid addiction can lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms.
Your experience will depend on the type, length, and quantity of opioids you’ve used. Your height, weight, and other individual factors may also alter your symptoms.
The most common opioid withdrawal symptoms are:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Sweats
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
Medically-Assisted Detoxes
In our opioid addiction treatment center, we use non-addictive, approved medications to help you through the worst of your opioid withdrawal.
Most individuals will be uncomfortable for a period of time. Some symptoms may be a bit painful, but rarely are these symptoms life-threatening, and the medications we use usually reduce the pain and discomfort. They’ll also reduce cravings and help you sleep.
For most people, the detox is the hardest part.
Enforcing sobriety early in the process is critical to your success.
We’ll help ease your discomfort and monitor your process to give you a head start at recovery.
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Opioid Addiction Treatment Settings
Your opioid addiction treatment plan will be customized from beginning to end. Each step will be catered to your addiction and needs.
For opioid addictions, we often recommend an inpatient or residential stay so that you will have access to 24-hour care.
Our team of dedicated medical professionals will be with you every step of the way.
The best addiction care plans are the ones that are personalized and holistic. They address all of your concerns, rather than one. They improve your addiction, mental health, and physical health, as well. They’re monitored and updated as necessary.
These are the types of addiction treatment plans that we offer at Resurgence Behavioral Health.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Methods
We make use of a wide variety of therapeutic techniques and support groups.
We teach stress and addiction management techniques.
We include downtime, supervised outings, and exercise classes, like yoga and meditation.
We offer nutritional guidance and healthy meals each day.
We promote an all-around healthy and sober lifestyle.
When you’re ready to find your new healthy lifestyle, please call our facility.
Our friendly addiction specialists will answer your questions and provide more information accordingly.
They will also offer complimentary insurance verification.
We’ll let you know if all or part of your treatment is covered, and we’ll offer alternatives if it’s not.
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Resurgence Behavioral Health – Opioid Addiction Treatment Centers
Opioid addiction requires patient-focused treatment care.
This dedication to the patient above all else is what sets Resurgence Behavioral Health apart.
Each patient is different, each addiction is different, and each treatment plan is different.
We will provide you with a high level of personalized care that you deserve.
Our luxurious treatment centers are located throughout California. You can find opioid addiction care that works right here.
