Opioid Crisis hits close to home

No child ever said, “When I grow up I want to be a drug addict.” But these children grow up, and if they try drugs; nine times out of ten they will become addicts. On Monday, January 18, 2021, the Keokuk County Supervisors resolved to join a multi county lawsuit against the producers of opioids. The lawsuit alleges that manufacturers did not release correct information about the risks of becoming addicted to the opioid painkillers. When opioids became more and more readily available, the risks came out. 

Opioid deaths have more than tripled in Iowa alone, according to the Des Moines Register. In 2005 only 59 people died from opioids. In 2017, 206 people died. And now that COVID lockdowns and the perpetual fear that has set into some people, we are at a higher risk than ever to succumb to addiction. 

There are a lot of taboo surrounding addiction and drug abuse. Some assume that the problem is that the addict doesn’t want to get clean. Others believe that addicts can just stop. Trying to explain addiction to a person that has never experienced it is kind of like explaining the color red to a blind person. It is not easy.

Addiction is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior. When someone is addicted to drugs, they literally can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause. 

The earlier one gets treatment for addiction, the more likely they are to avoid some of the more dire consequences of the disease.

Addiction is not just the result of taking a drug. It is the obsession with getting a fix; the desire to use consumes the entire person, and if they stop taking that substance they go through severe withdrawal. 

Addiction is physical as it is emotional. The brain is wired to make people want to repeat experiences that make them feel good. Drugs activate the brain’s reward system, which causes it to release dopamine. Dopamine gives the body a feeling of intense pleasure.

When drugs are used for a long time it can cause changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits, too. Chronic drug use can affect a person’s judgment, memory, emotions and relationships.

Each person is different and each body is unique; therefore it is hard to determine who will become addicted and who will not. But there are some things that one must look out for in their lives and the lives of the ones they love. If you have had a family member addicted to drugs or alcohol, you are genetically inclined to have problems. Taking drugs early in life while the brain is still developing makes an individual more likely to get addicted as they age. Mental disorders are also a warning sign. Depression, social anxiety and trauma all play a role in addiction; something to stop the pain or something to stop their minds from racing.

There are several support groups in the area that can help with addictions; such programs as AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, Alanon, among others. Remember the first step is to admit you are powerless over your addiction and that your life is unmanageable. But there is hope!

The relationships that a person has while they are growing up also has a huge impact on their future. If there was abuse in the home, an absent parent (most likely a father), instability, etc. that child may grow with undeveloped feelings. This makes them impulsive and they unknowingly seek fulfillment in artificial substances.

But there is hope for those who want to break their addictions. It can be done. Several people have overcome their addictions to live full lives; people like former president George W. Bush, Robert Downing, Jr., Johnny Cash, Brittney Spears, and many others. 

Most people who take pain medicines as directed by their doctors do not become addicted. They take them as prescribed. And the fear of becoming addicted should not stop someone from using pain medicine. But if someone has had a history of drug abuse, have family members that have had problems with drugs, or are impulsive, depressed, anxious, they must be vigilant.

If you recognize any signs of addiction, break the taboo and get help. It does not show weakness if you ask for help. There are several places that are available to help. You are not alone. You matter to this world. Don’t wait. Get help now before it is too late.

If you are having problems with drug addiction, don’t hesitate contacting professionals that can help.  For those who would rather chat instead of call they can do that at iowacrisischat.org.  

Choices Drop In Center is located at 615 S Jefferson St here in Sigourney. Their phone number is 641-622-1001.  They are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm, lunch is provided.  This service is for any adult who has mental illness.  They help with linking individuals up with different resources, work on crisis plans, work on recovery, etc.

One of the best resources that is available is The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255. It is available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.