Opioid Addiction in the u.s. and south carolina
The opioid crisis is the second largest health crisis in the U.S. (next to Covid-19) and the number of reported addictions and deaths associated to these drugs is staggering. Over 65% of all drug-related deaths in the U.S. are attached to opioids, with more than 190 people fatally overdosing every day. Opioids are prescription drugs that are typically designed to treat pain, either after surgical procedures or to aid with certain medical conditions. Some of the more common opioids are fentanyl, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Although these drugs are regularly used by doctors, they are often overused and overprescribed. That being said, today's opioid crisis is centered around the dangerous supplies of illicit fentanyl found in heroin and counterfeit pills alike. Since most street supplies of opioids are tainted with fentanyl, most people are gambling with their lives given the state of the opioid crisis.
"The CDC estimates that, in 2021, the number of opioid-related (mostly fentanyl) overdose deaths rose from 70,000 to 80,000—making up the majority of the country’s record 107,000 overdose deaths."
In 2020, 1,734 South Carolinians died from a drug overdose, a number that has been increasing for almost a decade. Of those 1,734 deaths, 1,400 were related to opioids. This means 80% of the fatal overdoses involved opioids.
Opioid rehab in South Carolina
Our Hilton Head island opioid rehab center provides a full continuum of care to treat opioid addiction. We'll get you detoxed safely and comfortably before you begin residential treatment and other step-down programs. You'll be immersed in a blend of holistic therapies alongside other evidence-based modalities to help you heal, recover and begin a life of health and wellness. For clients experiencing opioid use disorder, the first step in treatment is to stop using the drug. This means going to detox. Fentanyl and other similar synthetic pain medicines require a medically supervised detox to get past intense withdrawal and cravings. In fact, withdrawal symptoms for opioid addiction can be serious and may include:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Muscle ache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Restless legs
- Insomnia
Our South Carolina detox team will get you through the opioid detox process to provide medical stability and safety while preparing you for the other levels of care that focus on behavioral change and other co-occurring disorders.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioids
Effective opioid treatment will address the withdrawal symptoms to keep client as comfortable during detox. This will involve doctor supervision and using FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine. Buprenorphine (generally known as suboxone when combined with the opioid antagonist, naloxone) is an opioid that is typically used for opioid use disorder. Suboxone treatment works by energizing the opioid receptors in the brain. Because it only partially stimulates, it’s a standard opioid treatment tool.
Clients can take Suboxone temporarily for detox or take it indefinitely. This is something you and our medical team will decide together. As the need for buprenorphine has increased, new ways to take it have been found. The medication can be taken via a monthly, extended-release injection (Sublocade) or by daily oral sublingual.
South Carolina Residential Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Upon successful completion of detox, most clients move into our residential treatment program in Hilton head. Our opioid treatment programs are tailored to the distinctive needs of our clients. Our approach is evidence-based, taking into consideration each client’s physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Our South Carolina residential programs are formulated for a minimum of 30 days. However, clients can stay longer (up to one year). It just depends on the level of care that is needed to progress in recovery.
If you or a loved one is battling with cocaine or crack addiction, please reach out to our opioid treatment team at 866-470-2187 to get the help you need. Our addiction specialists are available to provide confidential help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.