In 1996, the opioid epidemic in America found its shameful beginning with the introduction of OxyContin by Purdue Pharma, a Connecticut-based pharmaceutical company. This marked the onset of what would become a catastrophic crisis, evolving through three distinct waves of devastation from OxyContin to heroin to Fentanyl. Deceptive marketing practices, coupled with lax regulatory oversight, allowed prescription opioids like OxyContin to flood communities nationwide, masquerading as benign solutions to pain management. Fast forward to recent years, and the grim reality of the opioid epidemic looms large over Ohio, which has emerged as one of its epicenters. Shocking statistics from The Ohio Department of Health underscore the severity of the situation: in 2020 alone, Ohio witnessed a staggering 5,017 unintentional drug overdose deaths. Unrelenting, this epidemic has transformed unintentional drug poisoning into the leading cause of injury death in Ohio, surpassing even motor vehicle crashes. Moreover, the devastating impact of opioid misuse extends across demographic lines, with Black non-Hispanic males bearing the brunt of the crisis, facing the highest drug overdose death rates compared to other sex and race/ethnicity groups.
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has emerged as a central player in Ohio’s opioid crisis, being implicated in an alarming majority of overdose deaths involving heroin, cocaine, and psychostimulants/methamphetamine. Against this backdrop of staggering statistics and heartbreaking loss, Ohio grapples with the daunting challenge of combating opioid addiction and mitigating its devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities.
Online opioid addiction psychologists offer accessible and personalized support, leveraging digital platforms to provide comprehensive care to those in need. Through virtual sessions and telehealth services, individuals struggling with opioid addiction can access evidence-based interventions and receive the compassionate guidance necessary for their recovery journey. As Ohio continues to confront the complexities of the opioid epidemic, the availability of online treatment serves as a vital resource in the fight against this pervasive crisis.
Is Ohio ground zero for the opioid epidemic?
The Opioid epidemic began with the marketing and approval of the potent painkiller called OxyContin by Purdue Pharma and the Federal Drug Association (FDA) respectfully. It was later shown that Purdue Pharma submitted fraudulent information claiming that OxyContin was not as addictive as it really is, but it was too late. Eventually, the opioid epidemic spread as addicts discovered heroin and, most recently, fentanyl to curb their opioid cravings.Ohio is often considered “ground zero” for the opioid epidemic due to several factors:
- Highest death toll: Ohio has experienced some of the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths in the United States.
- Initial Impact: Ohio was among the states hit earliest and hardest by the influx of prescription opioids, leading to widespread addiction and subsequent use of illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
- Geographic location: the state’s location serves as a transportation hub, making it easier for drugs to flow into and through the state.
- Socioeconomic factors: poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to healthcare have contributed to the vulnerability of many Ohioans to opioid addiction.
Meet Sarah, a 35-year-old mother of two living in Dayton, Ohio. Sarah has been struggling with chronic back pain for years due to a car accident. Her doctor prescribed opioids to manage her pain, but over time, Sarah found herself increasingly reliant on them to cope with daily life. Unbeknownst to her, Sarah’s teenage son, Jason, began experimenting with the pills from her prescription bottle, eventually developing his own addiction.
As Sarah’s dependency on opioids grew, she found it harder to function at work and maintain her household responsibilities. Despite her efforts to cut back, withdrawal symptoms made it nearly impossible for her to break free from the cycle of dependence. Meanwhile, Jason’s addiction escalated, and he turned to street drugs like heroin to feed his cravings.
Their family’s situation is not unique in Dayton, a city hit hard by the opioid epidemic. With high rates of opioid prescriptions and easy access to illicit drugs, Ohio has become known as “ground zero” for the crisis. Now, Sarah and Jason are facing the devastating consequences of addiction, struggling to find a way out of the grip of opioids that has taken hold of their lives.
What are the 5 recovery skills?
Especially for those who have suffered from a long-time addiction, they may need to relearn some basic life skills or they may have never learned them in the first place, depending on when their addiction began.
Here is a list of the 5 recovery skills that everyone should build:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective decision making
- Self-awareness
- Self Care
- Resilience and the ability to cope
As she progresses through her recovery journey, Jennifer actively participates in therapy sessions and workshops focused on building these essential recovery skills. She learns effective communication techniques to express her emotions and needs, practices problem-solving strategies to navigate life’s challenges without turning to drugs, and cultivates self-awareness to understand the root causes of her addiction.
Moreover, Jennifer prioritizes self-care practices, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness, to nurture her physical and mental well-being. As she encounters setbacks and triggers along the way, Jennifer relies on her newfound resilience and coping mechanisms to stay strong and stay on track towards her recovery goals.
Halfway houses play a crucial role in Jennifer’s transition from rehab to independent living. These supportive environments provide a structured and supervised setting where individuals like Jennifer can continue to practice and reinforce their recovery skills while gradually reintegrating into society. By residing in a halfway house, Jennifer receives ongoing support, guidance, and accountability, further enhancing her journey toward long-term sobriety and success.
Through dedication and perseverance, Jennifer gradually relearns these vital life skills, empowering herself to break free from the cycle of addiction and embrace a brighter future filled with hope, purpose, and fulfillment. Learning, or relearning, these five essential recovery skills—communication, problem-solving, self-awareness, self-care, and resilience—is crucial for individuals navigating the journey of addiction recovery. By focusing on these skills, individuals can empower themselves to overcome challenges, build healthier relationships, and lead fulfilling lives free from the grip of addiction.
What is the role of a psychologist in addiction?
Psychologists play a crucial role in addiction treatment, employing psychological interventions to address the complexities of addictive behavior, whether arising from substance use (e.g., alcohol, drugs) or behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling). This involves comprehensive screenings, assessments, and diagnostics to identify addiction-related issues accurately. With specialized knowledge encompassing biopsychosocial factors contributing to addiction, psychologists integrate evidence-based prevention and treatment methods. They collaborate closely with individuals, couples, families, and communities to foster cessation or reduction of substance use while addressing associated emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges. Consider the scenario of Vanessa, a 22-year-old struggling with opioid addiction. Vanessa seeks help from an online psychologist specializing in addiction. During their sessions, the psychologist conducts thorough assessments to understand the root causes and triggers of Vanessa’s addiction. Together, they develop a personalized treatment plan that combines cognitive-behavioral therapy to address Vanessa’s addictive behaviors, coping skills training to manage cravings, and family therapy to strengthen her support system. While the psychologist provides vital psychological support, Vanessa’s need for medication-assisted treatment requires collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Consequently, Vanessa is referred to a primary care physician or an opioid rehabilitation clinic where she can receive necessary medications under medical supervision. Despite the psychologist’s inability to prescribe medication in Ohio, their integrated approach ensures Vanessa receives comprehensive care tailored to her needs, facilitating her journey towards recovery.Ready to overcome your opioid addiction? Locate an online therapy with an Ohio psychologist near you.
As Ohio contends with the relentless grip of the opioid epidemic, the critical role of psychologists in addiction treatment cannot be overstated. With over 5,000 unintentional drug overdose deaths recorded in 2020 alone, Ohioans face an uphill battle against opioid addiction, compounded by factors such as deceptive marketing practices and lax regulatory oversight. Despite the challenges, psychologists serve as pillars of support, offering holistic and personalized care to individuals grappling with substance use disorders.
Utilizing comprehensive assessments and evidence-based interventions, psychologists in Ohio address the multifaceted nature of addiction, integrating biological, psychological, and social factors into their treatment approach. While they may not have the authority to prescribe medication, their collaborative efforts with other healthcare professionals ensure individuals receive the integrated care necessary to navigate the complexities of recovery. In this collaborative landscape, online opioid addiction psychologists guide individuals toward a brighter future free from the clutches of addiction.
Resources:
Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
5 Key Life Skills for People in Addiction Recovery