Addiction Treatment Map of Resources

An addiction treatment map created using Google Maps.

Recovery Resources

I came across this site which provides recovery resources by State. The site allows you to search by Substance, Specialty and Financial and Resource Type.

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Deaths from Opiates in Rhode Island

Four more people have died of suspected drug overdoses in Rhode Island in the last week, bringing the total this year to 49, according to the state health director last Wednesday. The number of people who have died of accidental overdoses in the first eight weeks of 2014 is about 2 X the normal rate. Overdose deaths have been associated with fentanyl mixed with heroin. In Rhode Island in 2009-2010 most deaths from accidental drug overdose were Men between the ages of 40-49. In 2011 Men between ages of 50-59. In Rhode Island in 2009-2012 deaths from accidental overdose was more common among Women  between the ages of 50-59. According to data most have been associated with opioids alone and not alcoholic. Fatal overdoses from prescription painkillers have reached epidemic proportions, according to a new report from the CDC. In 2008, the report showed, drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin claimed almost 5,000 lives. That's almost three times as many lives as in 1999, the Associated Press reported. Fatal overdoses are especially common among middle-aged men, whites, and American Indians, according to reports

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Don't Judge them, they don't want to be that way either.

When I say don't judge them I am speaking of patients that may come into the hospital or office who seem to have an addiction to opiates for example. This terrible drug is affecting our youth, teenagers, adolescents and even adults. What we have seen in society is a drastic change in the price of drugs.

You can find that the Extra Strength Vicodin goes for about $5.00 per pill in Wisconsin. Oxycontin 45 MG for $65.

In one day a a young child or adolesent may spend 100-200/drugs. Simultaneoiusly they are ruining their body and hope of getting better, digging deeper into depression as they feel hopeless in a rollercoaster ride through hell. But honestly they don't want all this to go on. They want to feel normal, they want to have friends, they want to have back there trusting parents. They want to again enjoy the hobbies and activities they used to enjoy.

However it isn't easy for them. They are addicted to a drug and just as addicting smoking is that you can't stop addiction to opioids is probably worse. There is a physical dependence and a mental dependence.

There are multiple choices for treatment including outpatient care programs and inpatient detoxes. Despite having gone through detox many of these patients are just going to turn around and pick up again as they are again exposed to the same individuals they were connected with previously, lack self esteem and it is easier for them to say yes than to say no.

People need not judge these individuals, but help them. Think for example where many of these opiate addicted patients first built up this tolerance and dependence? It many times than not from their Orthopedic Surgeon or primary care doctor. They didn't have good followup and doctors lack knowledge of side effects of opioids and the damaging effects it may have on the lives of its victims, patients and families. There is hope though. There is alot of help out there. Good Bless you if you are struggleing.