Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Texas: Resources and Support

Why is the opioid crisis in Texas so persistent? To start with, opioids are not difficult to get. People have many ways to get them, both legal and illegal. However, we need to grasp the deeper reasons that led many Texans to start using these dangerous drugs. You probably have someone in your social circle or family who has become addicted. These people might rely on your help.

There are support groups and many resources that can support you, such as our addiction treatment center in Texas. Learn what you can do for your loved one and make a positive impact on your community.

Opioid Crisis in Texas

Unfortunately, many people still struggle with opioid addiction in Texas. Though the state has a relatively lower rate of opioid-involved overdose deaths compared to the national average, the opioid crisis in Texas is still a huge concern for the community. From August 2022 to August 2023, there were an estimated 5,566 drug-related deaths in Texas, and 45% of them involved fentanyl.

The number of deaths involving synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, has shown a rise during the Texas opioid crisis. From 2007 to 2017, fentanyl-related deaths tripled, increasing from 118 to 348 deaths. Similarly, heroin-involved overdose deaths more than doubled, going from 214 deaths in 2007 to 569 deaths in 2017. Prescription opioids were involved in the highest number of deaths in 2017, with 646 fatalities.

What Contributes to the Opioid Crisis in Texas?

The opioid crisis in Texas is a complex problem caused by multiple factors. Here are the main contributors:

• Doctors prescribe them too much, and people start misusing them after a certain while.
• People who want to use opioids can get illicitly made heroin and fentanyl easily.
• Poverty leads to high stress levels with no resources to cope with pain and addiction.
• Many people are not aware of just how dangerous drugs like fentanyl are.
• Self-medication, which is common among people with depression and anxiety.
• Aggressive marketing by companies that produced them.

The Impact of the Opioid Crisis Texas Citizens Face

Families are deeply affected by their loved one’s addiction. They go through emotional stress, financial difficulties, and harmed relationships. Communities suffer as well. Theft and violence are common consequences of the opioid crisis in Texas. This is a big concern for the public safety. Furthermore, opioid dependence creates an economic burden. It includes healthcare costs, lost productivity, and costs related to law enforcement and criminal justice.

Opioid Overdose Symptoms

To be able to recognize opioid overdose symptoms can mean to save a life. Seek immediate help if your loved one:

• Starts breathing slowly or irregularly. They might stop breathing entirely.
• Has small, pinpoint pupils. They will appear much smaller than usual.
• Become unresponsive. They might seem like they are in deep sleep and don’t react to shaking or loud noises.
• Has blue or pale skin. You will notice it around the lips and fingertips, usually. Skin changes color due to lack of oxygen.
• Starts gurgling and making choking sounds. This shows that they are having trouble breathing. This might mean they are at immediate risk of death.
• Cannot move or stand on their own. Their body becomes limp.

What to Do in Case of an Overdose?

You must act quickly. Here is what you can do:

• Call 911 and tell them everything you know
• Do CPR to keep oxygen going to the brain and vital organs
• Stay with the person the whole time until emergency responders arrive
• Use naloxone to reverse the overdose
• Place the person on their side to keep the airway open and stop them from choking if they vomit

Detox and Rehabilitation Resources

The best thing to do is search for professional support immediately after you realize that your loved one is addicted to opioids. This can save your loved one’s life and help with the opioid crisis in Texas in general. Find an opioid detox facility in Texas that offers medical detox, counseling, emotional support, and aftercare planning.

Importance of Medical Detox for Opioid Addiction

Opioid withdrawal can be dangerous and uncomfortable. Medical detox ensures that your loved one undergoes withdrawal under medical supervision, which will reduce the risk of complications. Also, medications will ease the withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and severe pain.

Constant medical supervision ensures that any health issues arising during detox are promptly addressed. This support helps prevent relapse during the critical initial phase of recovery.

Essential Services and Aftercare Planning

Your loved one will need experienced therapists who know and understand what they are going through. They will help them deal with the psychological aspects of addiction and begin healing emotionally.

Proper nutrition carries great importance, too. Balanced meals will support your loved one’s health, which is much needed during the recovery process.

When treatment at a facility is over, your loved one will need aftercare. This means ongoing support, which can be given by counseling or joining support groups.

Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

Opioid withdrawal occurs in phases and each one has its own symptoms. Getting familiar with the opioid withdrawal timeline will help us address the Texas opioid crisis. Here are the phases:

• Early phase (6-30 hours after last use): People get anxious, sweat, and become restless. These are reactions of a body that begins to crave opioids.
• Peak phase (72 hours after last use): The body is trying to adjust to the lack of opioids. Symptoms include stomach cramps, severe muscle and bone pain, vomiting, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and intense cravings.
• Late phase (4-10 days after last use): At this point, the body goes on adapting and physical symptoms start decreasing. However, there are psychological symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
• Prolonged withdrawal (weeks to months after last use): Your loved one might go through depression and anxiety. They might not be able to sleep and still have cravings for opioids. At this phase, their brain is returning to its way of functioning before opioid use.

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

Your loved one should always undergo detox under the supervision of medical professionals who can monitor your health and provide necessary interventions. Using medications can help greatly. They will reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They can make the withdrawal process safer and more comfortable. Also, eating healthily and drinking plenty of water can help manage symptoms like nausea and fatigue.

Emotional support is very important and your loved one can get it by joining therapy or counseling. They will learn coping strategies and deal with their condition better when they apply them. To feel better and reduce stress and anxiety, your loved one should do meditation and gentle exercise.

Benefits of Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs

The key advantages of inpatient rehab in Texas are:

• 24/7 medical support: Ensures immediate attention to any health issues or emergencies that arise during recovery.
• Structured environment: Reducing the risk of relapse by minimizing exposure to triggers and distractions.
• Intensive therapy: Helps address the root causes of addiction and develop coping strategies through individual counseling, group therapy, and behavioral therapy.
• Peer support: Provides emotional support and reduces feelings of isolation.
• Holistic approach: Promotes overall well-being through mindfulness, meditation, and fitness activities.
• Aftercare planning: Prepares people for life after rehab by creating personalized aftercare plans.

What to Expect During Inpatient Treatment

Upon admission, a comprehensive assessment is conducted to evaluate the person’s medical history, addiction severity, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. This assessment helps create a tailored treatment plan.

If not already completed, detox is usually the first step. Medical detox ensures safe and monitored withdrawal from opioids. After that, your loved one will:

• Explore their personal issues, develop coping strategies, and set goals in individual therapy.
• Connect to other people and share experiences to gain insights in group therapy.
• Address family dynamics and learn how to communicate better in family therapy.
• Learn about how addiction affects their brain and body to better apply learned strategies and stay sober in educational programs.

Support Systems and Aftercare

Both family and community resources are very valuable to the person trying to overcome addiction. Family support is important because it:

• Boosts spirits and reduces feelings of loneliness.
• Holds the person accountable and encourages them to stick to treatment.
• Gives motivation that will help the person push through tough times.

Support groups will give your loved one a chance to connect with others who are facing similar challenges during the Texas opioid crisis. Encourage them to attend the meetings regularly. This will give them ongoing support.

Programs that teach about the Texas opioid crisis, addiction, and recovery can give your loved one the knowledge and tools needed to stay sober. These might include workshops, seminars, and informational sessions.

Many communities offer activities like fitness classes and wellness programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. Participating in these activities can help your loved one build new, positive habits and reduce stress.

Your loved one needs a stable and independent life once they leave rehab. Job training and employment services will help them do this. A person with meaningful work will find important in life and have a more organized life. Services like this do plenty to address the opioid crisis in Texas.

Strategies for Maintaining Long-Term Sobriety

There are strategies that can help your loved one maintain long-term sobriety and face the opioid crisis in Texas. Your loved one should:

• Join a support group like Narcotics Anonymous.
• Exercise, eat balanced meals, and sleep well.
• Practice mindfulness and meditation to manage stress.
• Identify and avoid situations, places, or people that may trigger cravings.
• Surround themselves with supportive, positive people who encourage their sobriety.
• Engage in hobbies and activities that they enjoy.
• Schedule regular medical check-ups to monitor their physical health.

Help Your Loved One Build a Drug-Free Future

A person with a severe addiction cannot do much to fix their situation. Your loved one relies on you for support. This is an important thing to understand if we want to solve the opioid crisis in Texas and our country. Be by their side, explore resources and treatment programs that will help them heal and get their life back. Do what you can to help your loved one get sober and do your part in creating a safe and healthy community.