In 2020, over 400 Cincinnati residents lost their lives to drug overdose.1 As Ohio’s largest city, Cincinnati has been at the center of the opioid crisis over the last decade. Efforts to address the crisis have included the formation of an addiction response coalition, partnering with organizations in Northern Kentucky to streamline access to resources, and public health and education initiatives. One of the most important aspects of keeping Ohio residents safe is making sure that everyone who needs it has access to treatment. For those who have Medicaid, addiction treatment in Cincinnati is available and can help you or your loved one heal from addiction. Finding a Cincinnati drug rehab center can be the first step in your recovery journey.
Are Prescription Drugs Safe to Use?
If used under the close supervision of a medical care provider, prescription drugs are safe to use. However, when taken recreationally or without a prescription, these types of drugs are not safe. Many prescription drugs carry a high risk for misuse or addiction and can have negative interactions with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs. You should never take any prescription medications that were not prescribed to you, nor should you take any pharmaceutical drugs recreationally.
How Do People Become Addicted to Drugs?
Drug addiction is portrayed in the media as something that happens to people who are involved in bad activities or people who are making poor choices. The truth is much different. Anyone can become addicted to a drug, even people who have never been involved in drugs or drinking or people who are otherwise responsible citizens. Many people have found themselves in trouble with drugs after surgery, an accident, or some other situation that has necessitated their use of pain medicine. Sometimes, people do not realize they need help until they decide to stop using the drug.
Do I Need to Seek Treatment for Substance Use Disorder?
The best way to find out if you or a loved one needs help for substance use disorder is to consult with a doctor, a licensed mental health professional, or an addiction counselor. Here are some questions you may wish to ask yourself in the meantime if you are concerned about your use of substances:
- Do you take steps to hide or downplay your use of substances from others?
- Have you gotten into difficulties at work or school because of substance use?
- Has someone you care about confronted you about your substance use?
- Is money becoming a problem? Do you spend more than you want to on drugs?
- Are you concerned about your physical or mental health?
- Have you felt as if you were letting others down or neglecting responsibilities?
- Have you tried to stop using drugs without success?
- Would you like to stop using, but you are concerned about withdrawal?
My Loved One Needs Help with a Substance Use Disorder. What Can I Do?
It can be heartbreaking when someone you care about is struggling with drugs or alcohol. One of the best things you can do is to gently encourage them to seek treatment or at least to consider speaking to a counselor. Unfortunately, sometimes loved ones are not yet ready to seek help for their substance use disorder. When this is the case, you may benefit from seeking counseling and support groups for yourself.
BrightView Can Help with Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Cincinnati
At BrightView, we believe in making sure our patients can access the care they need in the way they need it. We accept Medicaid, and we also work with patients to provide telehealth appointments and flexible scheduling. If you or a loved one has been struggling with substance use disorder, reach out to us today at 888.501.9865 and learn how we can help you start your recovery journey.
Source:
1. Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition (HC ARC) 2021 Annual Report
