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 ALABAMA  wrote the most opioid prescriptions in 2012, 2013, 2014,2015,2016,2017

                 United states has 5 % of the total  population  but wrote 80%  of all the opioid  prescriptions written in the world

                 ALABAMA writes almost double  other states!

                 NIH reports that Alabama  opioid death rate is half the national average? 

                 Alabama is the 4 th highest buprenorphrine provider. 

Doctor

 

Opioid  addiction is now known to be a chronic brain disease who's risk is influenced both by genetic and environmental factors. Use of opiates disrupts normal brain functioning, and prolonged use may result in changes to the extent that the brain does not return to "normal" upon stopping opiate use. Whether, or to what extent, the brain recovers is highly individual, depending on both length of use and biological factors. Due to variability in brain recovery, many addicts may require prolonged treatment or supportive medications in order to discontinue their addictive lifestyles. Because opiate use activates the area of the brain associated with pleasurable experiences and survival, such as eating, opiate use begins to mean survival to the addicts brain. Additionally, the brain's natural pain killers, known as endorphins, are no longer produced due opiate use. Disruption of endorphin production is thought to be associated with a need to increase opiate use in order to avoid the onset of painful withdrawal symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Opiate addiction is characterized by lack of control over drug use, compulsive craving and use of a drug, and continued use regardless of the physical, emotional and social consequences. Some of the signs and symptoms of opiate addiction may include but are not limited to:

  • Restlessness
  • Hyperactive behavior
  • Poor physical coordination
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Poor judgment
  • Slurred speech
  • Bouts of euphoria followed by bouts of extreme depression
  • Accelerated heartbeat which can ultimately result in coma or death

An addict may display marked changes in attitude and behavior. Relationships with family members and friends deteriorate rapidly. Performance at work and/or school decreases.

MEDICATED ASSISTED  TREATMENT  /MAT/ OPIOID USE DISORDER TREATMENT /

The road to opiate addiction treatment begins by understanding that this is a brain disorder and not a will power or moral issue, and that treatment options are available to those that suffer with this disease.

PREGNANCY AND OPIOID USES DISORDER OFTEN CALLED OPIATE ADDICTION 

If you are pregnancy get help right away. Talk opennly with your obgyn, counselor and medical team. Be honest. .

THINGS TO KNOW WHILE ON METHADONE,  

ALABAMA Methadone treatment  centers that accept state funding  have priority Admissions

Pregnant Woman with IV  Substance Abuse Disorders

Pregnant Woman with Substance Abuse Disorders

All Other IV Substance Abuse Disorders

All other Substance Abuse Disorders  

 

 

 

ITS TIME TO START A NEW LIFE  
 

ITS TIME TO GET HELP

OPIATE ADDICTION IS A SERIOUS ISSUE: IT IS TREATABLE!!!!! THERE ARE PLACES TO HELP YOU!!!

 

The MAT (Medicated Assisted Treatment) centers in Alabama that are accredited (federally regulated) should be your best guide for  assisting you or your loved one to look at evidenced based treatment options.  Federallly accredited MAT will be able to  have a wealth of information to help guide you or a loved one to explore different modes of treatmentuse our vast wealth of information to help you choose what is best. SAMHSA also known as Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration for the United States will also provide on their website the federally accredited facilities in Alabama. Please, take the time to go to federally accredited facilities find out as much as you can about the disease of opioid use disorder. IT IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH. REMEBER ALSO THE PERSO HAS RIGHTS TO TREATMENT AND INTERFERENCE CAN BGE A VIOLATION OF THE ADA. (AMERICAN DISABILTY ACT) We have been very sucessfull in referring those with this disease to assure their rights are not violated with occupation, housing or in the legal system! Please learn the rights of the patient! BIASES AND STIGMA MUST STOP 

Susan Staats Combs M.Ed, LPC, NCC,MAC

President of ALAMTA

CO Owner of Shelby County Treatment Center and Chilton County Treatment Center

Alabama Substanec Abuse Coordinating Commitee

Alabama Governors Council for Opiod Abuse  

President Of Recovery Gardens  


Welcome Mat