When I was first asked to participate in a campaign for awareness about Opioid Dependence, I was reluctant. I have a family member in this very situation and I didn’t want to make waves or discuss a very personal family situation. However, after thinking about it, I realized that not enough people are talking about it. This problem affections MILLIONS of Americans – in fact, you may know someone yourself who is suffering from painkiller, or opioid dependence.
The fact is, while opioid prescription painkillers are effective at what they do, some people develop a dependence to them as an unexpected consequence of pain treatment. The opioid tricks the brain – fooling it into thinking that the opioid is needed to be able to function.
A family member of mine is currently in denial. Not only is she in denial, but most of the people in my family are in denial over what is going on with her. Multiple surgeries over the years have left her in pain and reliant on prescription painkillers to get through most days. She says the only reason she takes them is because of pain but the fact is, she is addicted to them.
Recently, a glitch in her insurance coverage sent her into an extreme panic. She knew that she might not be able to get her medication and she started to conserve and wean herself from these painkillers. That was when it became VERY apparent to me just how addicted she was. Ultimately, her insurance has come through and she will probably continue to be written scripts by doctors who do not know just how much these medications are ruining her life. How does one even begin to help a person who doesn’t want to admit or even realize he/she needs help?
Turn To Help is an online resource that allows people to anonymously research opioid dependence. I’ve researched and if you know someone who suffers from a dependence, you should too. I know that the situation with my family member is not going to just get better on it’s own. I know there are some tough conversations ahead of us, but at least I feel that I have knowledge and some information in my corner. One thing I didn’t know, is that treatment, in most cases is covered by insurance companies and privacy is protected. Facts like these might make the difference in being able to get someone help.
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