Page 46 Healthy Cells Magazine Peoria June 2014

in Illinois. Recently, lawmakers in Illinois created a task force to address

the heroin epidemic in our state. According to WMBD, in a story they
did on the Face of Heroin in Central Illinois in April of this year, 15 of
the 49 deaths in Peoria County related to illicit drugs and prescription
medications were from heroin use.
Once a person becomes dependent on opioids, stopping it can
become unbearable. Although generally not life threatening, withdrawal
associated with opioid dependence is serious and very uncomfortable.
According to the Substance Aubse and Mental Health Services Admin-
istration TIP 45, signs and symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal
include: fast pulse, sweating, enlarged pupils, yawning, tearing, runny
nose, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bone/muscle pain, and anxiety.
There are a number of resources available to those wishing to
stop their use of opioids and/or prevent overdose. The medication,
nalaxone, is given to prevent or reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
Nalaxone has been used by emergency personnel for many years but
with the growing number of deaths associated with withdrawal, is now
available to the general public with brief training on how to use it.
Fortunately, recovery from opioid addiction is possible. In addition
to self-help groups and inpatient treatment options, there are a number
of outpatient treatment services available. With the use of medicated
assisted treatment (MAT), individuals can increase their probability of
success in recovery and return to living a life without opioid depen-
dence. Medications commonly used to treat opioid dependence
include methadone, Suboxone, and naltrexone. These medications
work by reducing withdrawal symptoms and reducing the cravings
people experience for opioids.
For more information about treatment options and other medi-
cations used to help with opioid addiction and/or overdose, con-
tact your doctor or True North Solutions at 309-589-1011 or visit
www.truenorthsolutions.org.
True North Solutions offers outpatient treatment for opiate
dependence. Chrissy Smith is a licensed clinical social worker at
True North Solutions. Chrissy provides a variety of services for
adults and children. She specializes in anxiety disorders, sub-
stance use disorders, and children.
Photo credit: zona/Thinkstock
I
ts been all over the news. Various celebrity deaths associated with
the overdose of opioids primarily, heroin. Opioids are prescription
medications, such as Vicodin, codeine, Oxycontin, and morphine,
usually used to treat pain. There is also an opioid used that is pro-
duced and sold illegally called heroin. These medications, taken for
long periods (with a prescription or off the street) or by taking more than
is prescribed, can be very addictive. Misused, opioids can produce a
euphoric effect but can also lead to overdose. Symptoms of opioid
overdose include: slow breathing, loss of consciousness, unrespon-
sive, and pale/clammy skin. In addition, there are many risks associated
with the misuse of opioids. These risks include: increased rates of HIV
and hepatitis C through injection drug use, increased legal issues, and
high costs to individuals and families (direct and indirect). These drugs
are available to everyone not just to celebrities or to certain groups
of people. Dependence to opioids affects all kinds of people, of all
genders, races, and ages, in all communities.
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, In 2011, 4.2
million Americans aged 12 or older (or 1.6 percent) had used heroin at
least once in their lives. It is estimated that about 23 percent of individu-
als who use heroin become dependent on it. Dependence to opioids
has become a growing problem not only in the United States, but also
Opioid Dependence
By Chrissy Smith, LCSW, True North Solutions
addictions
Holy Cross
Lutheran
Preschool & Child Care
618 S. Maxwell Rd., Peoria
Quality Christian Child Care
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
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Curriculum
309-697-8450
Before/After School Care for Limestone Area Schools
Summer Program for School Age Children