What is Addiction

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic medical condition characterized by the compulsive use of opioids, despite harmful consequences. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, as well as illegal drugs like heroin.

Individuals with opioid use disorder may exhibit a range of symptoms, including:

1. Craving: Intense urges or desires to use opioids, often leading to persistent thoughts about obtaining and using the drug.
2. Loss of Control: Difficulty controlling opioid use, resulting in using larger amounts or for longer periods than intended.
3. Physical Dependence: Development of tolerance, where higher doses of opioids are required to achieve the desired effects, as well as withdrawal symptoms when opioid use is reduced or stopped.
4. Social and Occupational Impairment: Negative impacts on relationships, work, school, and other areas of life due to opioid use. This may include neglecting responsibilities, experiencing legal problems, or engaging in risky behaviors to obtain opioids.
5. Continued Use Despite Harm: Continued use of opioids despite experiencing adverse physical, psychological, or social consequences, such as health problems, financial difficulties, or strained relationships.

Opioid use disorder is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires professional intervention and treatment. Without proper treatment, it can lead to severe health complications, including overdose and death. Treatment for opioid use disorder typically involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, behavioral therapies, support groups, and other supportive services aimed at promoting abstinence, reducing cravings, and addressing underlying psychological and social factors contributing to addiction.

It's important for individuals with opioid use disorder to seek help from qualified healthcare providers who specialize in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry.

With appropriate treatment and support, recovery from opioid use disorder is possible, and individuals can regain control of their lives and achieve long-term sobriety.

The Opioid Epidemic 

Since 1999 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported over 1 MILLION people have died from opioid overdoses. In 2021 over 75% of all overdose related deaths involved opioids . 

 Opioid use disorder is increasing at an alarming rate throughout South Caroline, North Carolina, and the entire United States. Unlike other substance use disorders, the use of opioids can develop physical dependency within a short period. The continuous use of opioids can result in memory loss, poor decision-making, poor cognitive processing, fatigue, numbness, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, and hallucinations. Opioids can also act as depressants and can slow down the body and cause respiratory depression. 

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) 

 Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic medical condition characterized by the problematic pattern of alcohol consumption that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. It encompasses a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can have significant negative effects on various aspects of an individual's life, including their physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall functioning. 

 AUD is diagnosed based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. Treatment for alcohol use disorder may involve a combination of medications (such as naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram), behavioral therapies (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or motivational interviewing), support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous), and other supportive services tailored to the individual's needs. 

 Seeking help from healthcare professionals, addiction specialists, or mental health professionals is crucial for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of alcohol use disorder. With appropriate treatment and support, individuals with AUD can achieve and maintain sobriety, improve their quality of life, and reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm. 

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 219.2 million people ages 12 and older (78.3% in this age group) reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime.1,2 This includes:

• 109.1 million males ages 12 and older (79.8% in this age group)1,2  
• 110.0 million females ages 12 and older (76.9% in this age group)1,2  
• 144.0 million White people ages 12 and older (84.2% in this age group)1,2  
• 23.8 million Black or African American people ages 12 and older (69.4% in this age group)1,2
• 1.4 million American Indian or Alaska Native people ages 12 and older (79.6% in this age group)1,2
• 10.0 million Asian people ages 12 and older (60.9% in this age group)1,2
• 4.1 million people of two or more races ages 12 and older (75.8% in this age group)1,2
• 35.2 million Hispanic or Latino people ages 12 and older (70.6% in this age group)1,2

Withdrawal - Prescription medications make it easier for you to move forward. 

The withdrawal phase can be very painful and challenging. Therefore, a lot of people return to their previous life that is devoid of real enjoyment and happiness. To ensure that you face minimum discomfort, our doctors can prescribe medicines to reduce withdrawal symptoms and allow your body to readjust slowly. 

Therapy and Counseling - Ongoing Treatment to Prevent Relapse

Even once you begin to feel better and the cravings subside, you will need to continue medication and therapy. At Medasic we employee Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioners to assist with the behavioral health part of addiction. 

Addiction has lasting effects on the reward system of your brain even when the drug is completely out of your system. A stressful situation can tempt people to use again. 

Make regular visits to our counselors. They will help you identify the triggers, weaknesses, and strengths, and learn how to cope with opioid cravings. It will help ensure that you don’t relapse. It enables you to stay sober and stick with your new addiction-free life.