Opioid Treatment Center In Missouri​​

Grand Falls Center for Recovery​

Overview of Opioid Addiction​

Across the United States today, nearly every adult has been touched in some way by the opioid epidemic. It is safe to say that almost everyone knows someone, whether it is a friend, family member, loved one, or acquaintance, who has struggled with addiction to opioids or even lost their lives to overdose. Many people have watched as the challenges that stem from opioid addiction have torn apart communities and families.

Opioids belong to a specific drug class that also includes legally prescribed medications (drugs prescribed for symptom management by medical and mental health professionals) and illegal substances or “street drugs.” Prescription medications that belong to the opioid drug class include morphine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone, along with other familiar medications. Familiar illicit substances include fentanyl and heroin.

Opioids, regardless of legality, produce effects by attaching to specific areas in the brain and spinal cord called opioid receptor sites. They also connect to other receptor sites throughout the body designed to accept opioids. The connection of opioids to the brain helps slow and block pain messages sent from the brain to other areas of the body. It also limits the speed at which messages travel from the body to the brain, signaling pain. Opioids, whether illicit or prescription, help individuals struggling with chronic pain conditions effectively reduce the severity of their symptoms. By using these medications, they feel a sense of relief for a time as their pain and discomfort reduce or disappear entirely. 

The relief, relaxation, and “high” achieved with opioid use occur rapidly, sometimes within seconds. Unfortunately, it also wears off quickly, leading to a rapid return of pain and discomfort. Because the user craves the pain relief (or high) again and takes another dose when this happens. 

As drug use continues, a person may feel they need to take higher doses, or more hits, in order to achieve the same effects as before—this is known as building a tolerance. Higher doses at more frequent intervals are needed to achieve the desired high. This is dangerous because higher doses can quickly lead to overdose and death. 

Opioid Addiction Treatment​

The Statistics of Missouri Opioid Addiction​

 The state of Missouri has not been spared the challenges of ongoing opioid use and abuse. Across Missouri, about 375,000 adults over the age of eighteen have a substance use disorder. Like many other states across the nation, the rate of death linked to opioid use and abuse has continued a steady climb across all areas of the state. In 2018, as many as one out of every 56 deaths in Missouri were linked to opioid use and opioid overdose. Throughout 2018, nearly 1200 people in Missouri lost their lives to opioid-related overdose. 

The opioid epidemic does not discriminate. It can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, race. Opioid addiction is a struggle for people in Missouri’s metropolitan, urban, and rural areas. Statistics show the effects of opioid addiction (and many other drugs) spans generations. Children born to addicted parents are often born with medical struggles linked to drug exposure during pregnancy. Another challenge faced by children is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS occurs when an infant is exposed to addictive substances before birth or just after. In 2018 nearly 500 infants born to Missouri parents met the diagnostic criteria for neonatal abstinence syndrome at birth. Also, another 1800 newborns were potentially exposed to addictive substances, including opioids, in utero. 

Unfortunately, the impacts of addiction continue to grow in Missouri and many other states across the nation. With this consistent growth also comes a significant and often overwhelming burden on local and state healthcare systems. Statistics reported by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services suggest that the cost of emergency room admissions between 2016 and 2018 that were directly connected to opioid abuse cost the state of Missouri approximately $117. Most of this expense was covered by government-funded insurance programs and other government-supported sources. 

What We Treat – Opioid Addiction​​

When to Get Help for Opioid Rehab in Missouri​

With regular use, tolerance and dependency on opioids will develop. When you are dependent on a drug and try to reduce or stop using it, withdrawal symptoms are often quick to follow your last dose. The withdrawal symptoms accompanying opioid detox can be painful, unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous. Because overcoming opioid addiction can be a challenge, it is vital to seek help to recover from opioid addiction in a safe and supported environment like Grand Falls Recovery, where medically assisted detox services are available. If you notice any of the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction, it is vital to seek help at an opioid addiction rehab immediately. Some common signs and symptoms of opioid addiction include: 

• Lack of concern about personal hygiene 
• Changes in exercise habits
• Cravings
• Difficulties with sleep
• Increase isolation or avoid spending time with loved ones, family, or friends
• Stealing prescriptions
• Stealing medications from a family who have a prescription for an opioid
• New or worsening financial or legal problems
• Dietary changes and weight changes
• Issues with libido or sex drive
• Stealing items home or elsewhere to get money to buy drugs
• Doctor shopping
• Stealing prescriptions
• Signs withdrawal symptoms when not using

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