Opioids are a natural pain reliever derived from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, and are used to treat intense pain caused by a number of issues. The opioid epidemic began in the early 1990s when doctors began prescribing opioids for pain without fully understanding their addictive capabilities and potential for abuse. Today, drug-related deaths caused by natural and synthetic opioids are at an all-time high, with a total opioid-related death count of more than 110,000 in 2022.
At Crestview Recovery, we support individuals who are struggling with an addiction to opioid pain medication, heroin, fentanyl, or other types of opioids/opiates. We have experience treating all levels of addiction and the complex reasons behind it. When you first arrive at our private facility, we will run a full assessment of your physical and mental health to develop an effective treatment program. If you would like to speak with our friendly team about our opioid addiction rehab facility, call 866.262.0531 today to schedule a tour and meet our team.
How Did the Opioid Epidemic Start
The opioid epidemic started in the 1990s when the pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma began working with doctors and hospitals to start prescribing OxyContin. At the time, this drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chronic and severe pain. Unfortunately, the company knowingly presented false data on the addictiveness of opioids in order to increase its profits. This was the first of many failures in regulating this dangerous drug.
Continued political influence and soft regulations on how pharmaceutical companies regulate their drugs led to opioids becoming an epidemic across the United States and the world. In addition, our society’s opinions on drug abuse have exacerbated the situation. Many people started abusing opioids for the euphoric effects, which led illegal drug manufacturers to create heroin and other illegal opioids, which can be significantly more potent than prescription opioids. Heroin and fentanyl have caused opioid-related death rates to skyrocket in recent years; In 2010, opioid-related deaths totaled 21,089. In 2021, there were more than 81,400 opioid-related deaths in the U.S.
At Crestview Recovery, we are working hard to help men and women who are struggling with opioid addiction stop the abuse before causing irreparable harm or death. Our treatment programs are tailored to the person and take into account their family and personal histories to create a more effective recovery program.
Opioid Abuse in the U.S.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), opioid death rates began to rise significantly during three different time periods, starting in 1999, 2010, and 2013. Each wave was caused by a new type of opioid, with each new version more potent and dangerous than the last.
The opioid addiction epidemic in the United States continues to be a major health concern. The abuse of prescription and illegal opioids continues despite the known dangers and risks of serious physical and mental harm. The state of Oregon is working hard to increase the number of opioid addiction treatment centers across the state and was awarded nearly $700 million in 2022 to fund opioid abatement and recovery programs.
Here is a breakdown of the three known waves of opioid abuse in the U.S.:
1999 – 2009
The first wave began with prescription opioids given to patients with chronic pain or who have recently had surgery or a major accident. Pharmaceutical companies offered financial incentives to doctors and hospitals to use their drugs, which led to the start of the opioid epidemic.
2010 – 2012
Heroin is the main culprit behind the second wave of opioid-related deaths between 2010 and 2012. Heroin is a synthetic opioid that is cut with other chemicals to enhance its effects. It is 50 times more potent than morphine, a natural opioid, and its fast-acting properties can lead to dependence and addiction with only a few uses.
2013 – 2020
The synthetic opioid fentanyl started the third wave and is one of the most potent opioids to date, with 100 times the potency level of morphine. This means that an overdose is possible with only one dose, especially if they mix it with alcohol or other depressants like cannabis.
Get Help for Your Loved Ones with Opioid Addiction Rehab at Crestview Recovery
Crestview Recovery stays on top of the opioid addiction epidemic in Oregon by offering residential and outpatient treatment programs for those who are ready for a positive change. We combine the best psychological and medical therapies along with mindfulness and other holistic therapies to create a whole-person treatment experience. Your treatment program can include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Trauma-induced therapy
- Co-occurring disorder therapy
- Group and individual therapy
- Family therapy
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, call 866.262.0531 or send us a message online today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
