U.S. Government research indicates that there are more than 2 million people presently dependent on opioids in the United States.

It is often wrongly assumed that those who qualify for opioid treatment are probably addicted to heroin. In fact, the majority of people in the country suffering with opioid dependence are using prescribed oral pain medication. While heroin is still readily available and a definite social problem, it no longer constitutes the core of the opioid addiction epidemic in America.

Ongoing use of opioids can lead to tolerance and dependence on the drug, even for those who received a legitimate prescription for short-term pain management. Some people develop an opioid dependency and find themselves unable to function without opioids. This trend has increased in recent years as have the number of accidental overdose deaths from opioid addiction.

As a community, it is important to get the word out that opioids can be highly addictive. Anyone receiving a prescription for pain medication should consult with their physician and establish a clear timeline for when they are to take their medication and for how long. Prescriptions should always be safeguarded and specifically kept away from teenagers and out of the reach of children.

Opioid prescriptions should never be shared or given to another individual. When the medication is no longer needed, it should be appropriately discarded or dropped off at the Greensboro Police Department where they will destroy any unused portion.

Regarding Opioid Treatment Programs and the use of methadone or suboxone, it is important that we all continue to educate the community on the value of these medically-approved, life saving treatment interventions. There remains a stigma in society about opioid addiction and the use of opioid replacement therapies (like methadone). However, these biases are a result of misinformation and a lack of education on effective opioid treatments.

Methadone is a proven approach in successfully treating opioid addiction and is supported through many years of exhaustive research performed by both U.S. and International researchers. The use of methadone in opioid addiction treatment is widely regarded as a "best practice" treatment intervention and it has saved many lives.

Most often, the answer is yes! Recovering from drug addiction is not easy. Recovering from an opioid addiction can be especially problematic because of the severe physiological dependency and resulting painful withdrawal symptoms.

Many addicted people have tried to quit "cold turkey" with the intention of never returning to opioid use again. However, due to the severe physical withdrawal symptoms which emerge when they quit using, they find themselves right back again on illegal or "street" opioids to end their suffering. This seemingly perpetual cycle can be very demoralizing. Many addicted people give up hope.

Opioid Treatment represents a new start and new approach for those who have been stuck in an endless cycle of addiction. Opioid replacement therapy eliminates the vicious cycle of getting sick, seeking opiates, and then repeating the process all over again. Once stabilized on methadone, individuals typically refrain from further illicit opiates, they feel better physically and emotionally, and become able to resume their life & responsibilities again.

Treatment provides many tools, expert guidance, and much needed support to people who are desperately trying to deal with their addiction. Sadly, many people have died never realizing that Opioid Treatment could have saved their lives. The opportunity to change and to restore one's life is always available. It is never too late to seek recovery. Choosing treatment is a personal decision to begin living in the solution.