Opioid use affects millions of people across the country each day. This addiction is one of the most common substance use disorders in the United States. Furthermore, this prevalence has led to the Department of Health and Human Services declaring that we’re in the midst of an opioid epidemic. Unfortunately, women receive prescriptions for opioids more than men do, which can quickly lead to dependence and addiction.
If you’re battling an addiction to opioids or opiates, it’s critical to remember that you are not alone. At Crossroads Maine, we specialize in treating women who are battling addiction. Whether you or someone you love is engaging in women’s opioid use, we can help. Contact our team today at 877.978.1667 to learn more about your treatment options.
What You Should Know About Women’s Opioid Use
In the late 20th century, the pharmaceutical industry assured doctors, nurses, and other members of the medical communities that opioids were safe. These companies guaranteed that it wasn’t possible to become addicted to opioid pain relievers, which allowed doctors to prescribe them more often. Regrettably, the pharmaceutical companies were wrong, and people began to misuse these medications.
People of every age and gender may be at risk for an addiction to prescription pain relievers. Unfortunately, women are more likely to deal with chronic pain and migraines. It is easiest to address these conditions using opioids. As a result, women are more likely than men to get a prescription for opioids. Furthermore, they are also more likely to seek additional prescription medications, which can lead to an overdose. The most common pain-relieving drugs that women receive include:
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
Health Effects of Using Pain-Relieving Drugs
It’s critical to recognize the health effects of using any medication. For instance, in the short-run, you can expect to experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Slowed breathing
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
Additionally, as you begin to grow more dependent on opioids, you may find that your doctor will no longer prescribe pain-relieving drugs. To get the same euphoric high, you may turn to more dangerous substances, such as heroin.
Furthermore, as you get older, your metabolism slows down, which makes breaking down the medications more difficult. As a result, you’re at a higher risk of an accidental overdose. In addition, you may be sharing your injection equipment or have impaired judgment due to your opioid use, which can lead to the contraction of diseases like HIV.
Effects of an Opioid Overdose
Because of their potency, it is possible for opioid abuse to quickly lead to an overdose. In most cases, it is easy to recognize the signs of an overdose. For instance, those who have suffered an overdose will develop pinpoint pupils and unconsciousness. In addition, their breathing will slow or stop altogether. Other signs of an opioid overdose may include:
- Being awake but unable to talk
- Being unresponsive
- Limp body
- Clammy or pale skin
- Bluish tinge to the fingernails, lips, or skin
- Slow or erratic pulse
- Choking sounds or gurgling
- Vomiting
If a woman you love is overdosing on opioids, call 911 immediately. Then, it’s time to seek an addiction treatment program. With the right support, your loved one can overcome her opioid abuse and thrive in the life she’s always wanted to live.
Contact Crossroads Maine
It’s critical to remember that addiction to opioids is not your loved one’s fault. Addiction is a mental health condition, and like other mental health conditions, it is treatable. At Crossroads Maine, we want to help your loved one overcome opioid abuse. We offer a range of treatment options, including:
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Opiate addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Fentanyl addiction treatment
- Prescription drug addiction treatment
Women’s opioid use doesn’t have to be a permanent condition. Contact us to Crossroads Maine today at 877.978.1667 to learn how we can help you overcome addiction.
