It’s no secret that the opioid epidemic has taken thousands of lives each year; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains that in 2017, a total of 11.4 million people abused prescription opioids – with over 130 people dying each day from this tragic occurrence.
With so many people losing their friends, children, family members and loved ones, communities all across the country are taking both preventative and proactive measures to educate people on the dangers of substance abuse.
Dr. Fracis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, explained last year that a number of steps are currently being taken to promote individuals’ safety while taking prescription medications, as well as to educate relatives on the harms of abusing medicine that wasn’t prescribed to them. These efforts have taken place through a number of strategies, such as through:
- Research grants, which involve the study of behavioral intervention strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and other non-pharmacological approaches to help people recover from addiction
- Medication evaluation programs to help those with chronic pain find proper treatment and medication in an effective manner
- Community prevention models that may take place in hospitals, emergency rooms, prison systems and more
- Initiatives to better understand the origin of pain so that greater pain prevention strategies and therapy developments can take place
- And more
All of us are affected by addiction because our loved ones are faced with incredible barriers to seeking help and maintaining motivation in recovery. The greater we can pull together for support in our communities, the greater our chances of stopping this nationwide epidemic. If you or a loved one have been struggling with substance abuse, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. It’s never too late to turn your life around.
If you’re ready to begin taking great strides towards your health and wellbeing, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. Mental illness should be taken seriously and, if not treated early on, more severe conditions can arise. The best way to promote happiness and health is to seek help – and to begin using effective interventions for treating the problematic symptoms a person is experiencing. Don’t wait any longer to seek the help you need. Please call Alta Loma today – and you’ll be surrounded by a healthcare team who truly cares about your recovery. 866-457-3843.