The unfortunate reality, as shown in the following stats, is that the opioid epidemic is very real, and anyone can be affected.
Over 49,000 people died from an opioid overdose in 2017. That’s 134 people every day. It’s no wonder that so many Americans have been affected by opioid addiction in their family and friend groups.
The same can be true for more moderate pain, when it becomes a chronic issue. Chronic pain can tear a person’s life to shreds. They may have to stop doing the things they enjoy. They may even have to stop working or taking care of their children. Chronic pain can make them feel helpless. Again, painkillers can be an effective solution, and there are many sufferers of chronic pain who will tell you how opioids have saved their lives.
Unfortunately, this also leads to another problem when it comes to treating opioid pill addiction. People who became addicted to opioids from using them for chronic pain cannot stop using them without any other options. The pain will lead them back to opioids again and again.