As recently as 2010, the Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration has determined that there were nearly 4,000 drug abuse treatment episodes for opiates in Florida. In 2018, more than 2,000 Floridians died from a prescription drug overdose. In correlation with this trend, treatment centers throughout South Florida have noted that there’s been a rise in the number of senior citizens being treated for opioid addiction.
According to the data from IMS Health, 55 million opioid prescriptions were written in 2013 for people 65 years of age and older. This number was a 20% increase realized over five years. Officially, no other population group is prescribed more drugs than senior citizens. Drug rehabs all over the state have begun working to reduce the rising numbers of prescription opioid abuse by Florida seniors.
How Do Addiction Treatment Centers Reduce Prescription Opioid Abuse By Florida Seniors?
Addiction treatment centers often begin the treatment process for opioid addiction by providing a safe space for proper detox from. With prolonged use of opioids, a dependence often develops that accompanies the addiction.
Treatment centers in Florida have taken special precautions to ensure that senior citizens can safely work through the harsh withdrawal symptoms that can occur when discontinuing opiate use. These symptoms can be especially damaging for the elderly and often include:
- Hot and cold sweats
- Muscle aches and pains
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
What Is The State Doing To Address Prescription Opioid Abuse By Florida Seniors?
In response to the rising epidemic of elderly individuals abusing opiate medication, the state has enacted a host of policies and programs. Florida has taken steps to shut down pill mills, as well as bolster its drug-monitoring program. Access to the overdose medication Naloxone has drastically increased as well.
Is There Any Way That Florida Residents Can Assist With Combating Prescription Opioid Abuse By Florida Seniors?
Encouraging elderly individuals who are abusing opioid medication to pursue proper addiction treatment can be a powerful action to take in the fight against abuse by senior citizens. Gaining freedom from opioid addiction can be extremely difficult to accomplish on your own.
At the end of the day, anyone suffering from opioid addiction can benefit from receiving treatment at an addiction treatment center. Reach out to us today for more information on how you or someone you know can take the reins of your life back from your addiction.
Here at Aion Recovery we personalize an addiction treatment plan with holistic, cognitive behavioral, family, and/or peer group therapy. Call us today at 888-811-2879 to verify your health insurance benefits.
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