When you or a loved one are experiencing a medical condition or injury, pain management and patient comfort are often given top priority so that recovery can follow. Knowing what class of drug is prescribed to you or those under your care is crucial to awareness of potential opioid dependency and addiction.
Opioid drugs are prescribed for a variety of purposes, some of which may not seem obvious at first. Pain relief and anesthesia may be the first purposes that come to mind, but opioid-class drugs are also prescribed to alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath and anxiety, diarrhea, as well as coughing. Opiates can have strong beneficial effects in these scenarios, given the proper care is given to ensure that the patient is at low risk of developing a dependency and that the drug will not interfere with any other drugs needed for treatment.
However, without proper knowledge of the drug information for prescribed medications, it is much more difficult to avoid opioid addiction. It is important to get as much information on your prescribed medications as possible from your healthcare providers and pharmacist. You may want to use the following as a starting point for your inquiry.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Providers
You can mitigate the risk of opioid addiction by preparing yourself in advance with questions your doctors, nurses, and pharmacists can answer, such as:
- What is the full name of the drug, not including the brand name? For example, Durogesic is a brand name for a fentanyl (opiate) patch.
- What is the dosage, and how many days is the drug prescribed for? In New Jersey, no more than five days’ worth of opiate medication may legally be prescribed.
- What are the common side effects? Constipation is a common side effect, but it is important to consider other side effects that may affect individuals with existing conditions.
- What else can you find out about the drug and its risks? Research the drug itself and its uses, effects, and contraindications.
With proper foresight and care, it is possible to avoid opioid addiction. However, if you or a loved one have symptoms of opioid dependency, it is crucial to seek help as early as possible.
How Can Next Wind Recovery Help?
At Next Wind Recovery, we understand that addiction is not always easy to avoid or detect in its early stages. Our services are tailored for the stage of addiction or recovery you or your loved one may be experiencing, from the beginning of the recovery journey through to the end:
- Outpatient detox – We want to support your recovery while maintaining your professional, family, and community connections. Our program partners with doctors to provide safe and robust treatment. Our clients can come to our center for several hours a day, returning home afterward. This program is rewarding for those who have strong social support systems and stable work.
- Intensive outpatient program – Next Wind Recovery provides IOPs for clients who have completed a residential treatment program and are looking to get back to their regular daily routine. IOPs provide support through small group therapy as well as individual therapy sessions, along with medication-assisted treatment.
- Inclusive affordability – Our team prioritizes your healing and recovery and will not add to any existing stress. We have options for private insurance and self-pay.
We are committed to helping you understand opioid addiction and catching it early. But it is never too late to get help, and learning more about opiates and their various forms and effects is an important step to take in prevention and recovery.
Contact Next Wind Recovery Today
Empower yourself and those you care about by learning what you can about opioids and opioid addiction. Our outpatient detox and intensive outpatient program are designed to be both supportive and informative. Our clients form new and positive relationships with their peers in the program, as well as strengthen existing relationships in their families, community, and workplace. Start recovery today and contact Next Wind Recovery by reaching out to us online or calling 201.331.6569, or contact us online.
