States Sue Big Pharma
States Sue Big Pharma
The growing epidemic of opioid addiction has reached a point of a national crisis. State lawmakers are demanding accountability from pharmaceutical companies, and the story is national. Turn on the news and you are bombarded with stories of people overdosing in restaurants, cars, and on the streets. The rate of addiction continues to rise across the United States.
Despite the outcry from the public, many are desensitized to the needs of those struggling with addiction who are facing the crisis from opioid addiction. The opioid pandemic knows no bounds. Deaths from opioid abuse are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages. There are currently 48 states suing the manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioids.
Purdue Pharma faces over a thousand lawsuits. Purdue promoted OxyContin as a safe way to treat chronic pain while downplaying the drug’s addictive properties. Other big pharma companies named in the lawsuits include McKesson Corporation and Johnson & Johnson.
Immediate Placement in Rehab
Opiophobia
In the early 1990s, there was a need for new ways to treat pain. The pharmaceutical companies scrambled to develop new pain medications. Since then, millions of Americans have abused prescription opioids, like Percocet and OxyContin. Big pharma claimed that these new classes of opioids were safe and non-addictive. Claims were made that when prescribed in “… accordance with established dosage…” they are safe and we were lead to believe there was no reason to fear accidental death or dependence.
These drugs were heavily advertised to doctors across the nation. Millions of pills were shipped to clinics. Thousands of doctors prescribe oxycontin and Percocet to their patients in efforts to help them – and to make money from pharmaceutical companies. Today the medical community knows that these opioids are dangerous.
Learn More About Rehab
Prescription of Lies
Big pharma is the most powerful and profitable industry in the world. It is the second most hated industry. Tobacco being the first. Big pharma companies denied the true reality of opioids like Percocet and OxyContin. Big pharma falsely claimed that oxycontin and Percocet were not addictive. They went as far as to manipulate scientific research to claim that “…less than one percent risk of addiction from narcotic painkillers.”
Thousands of people found themselves as unwilling addicts. The opioid epidemic has become America’s worst health crisis ever. It is projected that by 2030 the demand for addiction treatment will outpace the supply of qualified counselors.
The Truth is in the Numbers
Did you know that the United States is only one of the two industrialized countries that allow the advertising of prescription medicines? Big pharma has used this advantage to further fuel the opioid crisis and, as a result, addiction has skyrocketed in the United States.
Many people who were innocently prescribed oxytocin found themselves hopelessly addicted to the prescription. OxyContin and Percocet filled the black-market as the demand increased. Heroin prices began to fall as the demand for these novel opioids grew. Today the introduction of fentanyl has only made the problem worse.
Effects and Abuse of Opioids
The CDC advises that anyone can develop a dependence on opioid painkillers. Long-term use of opioids leads to dependence and higher levels of tolerance, which required addicts to use more and more of the drugs. Without help from a substance abuse treatment program, opioid users are at high risk for overdosing and death. Asking for help is the first step in halting the addiction cycle.
Free Yourself from Opioid Addiction
The need for opioid addiction treatment is in high demand. There are many options today to help you fight back against addiction. Many programs use a multifaceted approach to treat addiction. No one addict’s recovery path is the same. Finding the road to recovery is a process that needs to be supported from day one. People who want to get help for opioid addiction need to enter into a reputable opioid addiction treatment center.
Addiction recovery starts with a medical detox that can help users withdraw safely away from stresses and triggers. This is best achieved with experienced providers in opioid addiction. When you have successfully detoxed, the next step in the process is a treatment program that is tailored to your unique needs.
Treatment Programs
Depending on your situation, there is a treatment program available for you. There are different ways to recover from an opioid addiction. The most important thing to remember is that your needs come first. Today, many therapies address opioid addiction. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved methadone, naltrexone and buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction. These medications are considered effective for both short- and long-term uses. For many, buprenorphine and methadone are lifesaving medications. Opioid abuse is difficult to stop without support and encouragement. Having options and choices when you enter into treatment makes all the difference in a successful recovery.
Detoxing from Opioid Addiction
The first step in treatment for opioid addiction is to detox. For many people, this cannot be achieved in a home setting because the withdrawal symptoms can be so unpleasant that users will relapse. During medical detox, the inflow of drugs will be tapered or substituted with other similar drugs. Medical detox allows you to withdraw from opioids in a safe, trigger free environment. You have the support and assistance of licensed medical professionals and experienced clinicians.
Rehab Programs
Different settings can help you recover from opioid addiction. These can include inpatient or residential, intensive outpatient, and aftercare. Comprehensive addiction recovery includes a variety of therapies that help you to understand the root of the addiction. They will teach you how to cope with addiction.
You will learn different strategies and skills that encourage decision-making that supports long term sobriety. Aftercare programs continue to support you after your treatment ends. Addiction is a chronic incurable disease. Nevertheless, diligence and support will help you stay sober and on the road to recovery for the long-term.
The Road to Recovery
After detox, you will still have to address the underlying reasons that lead you to be addicted to opioids. Many times, when you enter into treatment you will discover that you have a dual diagnosis. Treating both your addition and other issue is the most important part of aftercare care.
Being able to recover in a safe and secure place away from the triggers and stresses is vital to reaching your goals. Although you cannot cure your addiction, it can be stopped with therapy and a commitment on your part.
Free Insurance Verification for Rehab.
Opioid Addiction Recovery
If you or someone you love is struggling with an opioid addiction you can find help. Recovery is possible at Regency Behavioral Health. We offer a comprehensive recovery program that blends traditional and holistic care. Everyone enters treatment with the goal of recovery, how you get it is different for everyone.
We believe that the road to recovery needs to be client-focused. When treatment is centered around your unique needs long-term sobriety is achievable. To get you started you can use our online insurance verification process. Give us a call today.
