I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
What is opioid dependence? Sometimes referred to as opioid prescription painkiller and heroin addiction, opioid dependence is a chronic disease that affects more and more people every year.
The difference between opioid dependence and some other forms of addiction is that most of the people who suffer from opioid dependence began by simply taking medication that was legitimately prescribed to them as a pain management tool. We hear stories every day about people getting involved with drugs, and knowing full well what the ramifications might be. But opioid dependence is different: these people weren’t doing anything wrong, they weren’t doing anything illegal – they were following doctor’s orders.
Over time, prescription painkillers can alter the brain’s chemistry by resetting it so that the person taking the prescription begins to become addicted. They will actually become physically dependent as well as psychologically dependent, thinking that they need the prescription just to make it through each day!
Reset Reality Can Help!
Reset Reality, a public health initiative that spreads awareness and understanding about the science and treatment of opioid dependence, encourages people with prescription painkiller addiction to hit the reset button by working with a healthcare professional to work towards creating a new reality. Thus, “Reset Reality.”
ResetReality.com is an online resource where people struggling with prescription painkiller addiction can find important information about opioid dependence. Reset Reality also provides the tools necessary to help understand what opioid dependence is all about, including a symptom screener and a resource to find a certified doctor that can treat opioid prescription painkiller and/or heroin addiction.
Equally important is the portion of the website where you can find helpful “Words of Reality” or even lend support with words of inspiration to others also struggling with addiction.
I was looking through the Reset Reality website and found the list of symptoms for opioid dependence. Due to my family member suffering from opioid dependence, I recognized most of them, but there were a few that surprised me.
Did you know that drowsiness and lack of energy are signs of possible opioid dependence? While this may be mistaken for “just being tired,” individuals may demonstrate this pattern at various times throughout the day.
Inability to concentrate and lack of motivation are also signs that someone may be struggling with opioid dependence. Friends and family may notice missed days of work, leaving school or work during the day, or a significant drop in grades and/or achievement.
My story with opioid dependence is not a good one, there was a continual rock bottom and two stints in rehab ended badly – my family member is currently in jail due to crimes committed as a result of his addiction. I was reading through the “Words of Reality” section f the Reset Reality website and found really motivational, uplifting testimonials from a reality TV personality spokesperson Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino. I never watched his television show, but of course I knew who he was because everyone has heard about him, right?! While he never hit rock bottom, he one day realized how far his addiction had gone and sought help. I love hearing a success story like that, because it gives me hope that when my family member gets out of jail, they might finally wake up and realize that they can get past this…
If you think you might be addicted to prescription painkillers, or you know someone you think is suffering from addiction, please check out ResetReality.com. I hope that you are able to find the resources necessary to help you!
Thanks for sharing Jenn. Hopefully this info will help someone who needs it.
Thanks for sharing this info Jenn.
One of my friends is doing quite well with treatment. The difference is quite noticeable when I’ve seen him.
My husband has n=been dealing with this for at least the twenty years that we have been together. It’s not an easy thing to kick.
I hope that things improve for you guys soon! They say that no one can help an addict until they’re ready – I hope he is ready 🙂
My mom went through this a few years back, it was scary for sure!!!! Not something that is very easy to stop I hear, thanks for sharing!
This sounds like a really great resource, I also have a a couple of family members who have gone through this… it’s awful! Love that you are spreading awareness!
Such an important topic! So many people are affected by this. I have a few family members who have struggled. This is a great resource for help!
Thank you so much for sharing. It’s something we all need to be aware of.
Sounds like a much-needed resource. I can’t imagine having to go through something like this.
It’s so hard to overcome drug dependency. Though I haven’t dealt with that personally, I have had many family members and friends who have and I ache seeing them struggle. Thanks for sharing this.
I have a family member who has struggled with this, but thankfully has been free of it for a few years.
Thank you for sharing. Some of the symptoms are definitely not what I would expect.
Thank you for sharing! I hope your post helps someone in need.
Thank you for sharing. It is so important.
I have a cousin that has struggled for the last 17 years. Thank-you for helping to spread the word!
Thank you for sharing. Its important to be aware.
It’s important for those who are addicted to see that there really is a way out!