Opioid Rehab Centers in Indiana Could Save State Billions Annually
Opioid and tobacco addictions are costing Indiana taxpayers about $8.2 billion per year, according to recent studies released by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. Claire Fiddian-Green, the foundation’s president and CEO, says the studies confirm that addiction places an economic burden on Indiana communities and taxpayers, and that addiction treatment should remain a top priority for the state. The findings also indicated that expanding access to opioid addiction treatment centers in Indiana could help the state save billions annually.
If you’re struggling with opioid dependency and need help overcoming your addiction, understand that you’re not alone, and that you have several treatment options. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 for help with finding rehab centers that specialize in treating opioid addiction.
A Closer Look at Indiana’s Growing Opioid Epidemic
Access to rehab centers could alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers.
The Fairbanks Foundation studies reveal that Indiana ranks 15th in the U.S. for drug overdose fatalities, and that opioid overdoses killed more than 1,100 people in Indiana in 2014. These overdose deaths cost Indiana more than $1.4 billion, while tobacco use cost the state an estimated $6.8 billion.
Opioid addiction is also costing Indiana employers billions per year, since addicts are often major liabilities and less productive at work. Kevin Brinegar, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, says that if left unaddressed, Indiana’s mounting drug abuse problem could make the state a less appealing place to conduct business.
The studies suggested that state and local leaders take certain steps to help tackle and address opioid addiction. It was recommended that resources be increased for substance-abuse prevention and smoking cessation programs, and that more healthcare systems integrate addiction treatment with existing programs. The foundation also recommended that Indiana’s legal smoking age be increased, and that the opioid-overdose antidote drug naloxone be made more accessible to first responders.
Addressing Indiana’s Opioid Epidemic at Opioid Rehab Centers
Opioid rehab centers have been proven highly effective at helping opioid addicts achieve lifelong sobriety. The staff at opioid rehab centers are specialized in treating opioid addiction, and can give patients 24/7 medical support needed to safely overcome addiction. In most cases, withdrawing from opioids outside of a controlled medical environment can be draining and difficult, and leads to a greater chance for relapse.
Many opioid rehab centers in Indiana prescribe synthetic opioid medications as part of opioid addiction treatment. These medications, such as methadone and buprenorphine, are prescribed to help minimize opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and to help the body adjust to smaller doses of opioids. Throughout treatment, physicians gradually reduce the dose amount so patients can leave rehab completely drug-free. Some patients may require ongoing methadone or buprenorphine treatment in an outpatient setting.
Opioid rehab centers also educate patients on how to resume and improve their lives following rehab. Patients learn how to cope in situations where opioids are present, and how to lower the risk for relapse through a series of healthy lifestyle practices. Many opioid rehab centers offer aftercare programs that help former addicts maintain their healthy outlooks on living drug-free lives.
If you’re struggling with addiction to heroin or another opioid drug, understand that opioid rehab centers are specialized in treating your addiction type. Call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about treatments offered at opioid rehab facilities. The sooner you decide to seek treatment, the sooner you can get back to living a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life!
Featured Treatment Center
