Overcome Symptoms of Prescription Opioid Abuse with Memphis Halfway Houses

Prescription opioid abuse refers to the misuse of medications prescribed by a doctor that contain opioid drugs. These medications are meant to manage moderate to severe pain, but when misused, they can lead to addiction and serious health problems.

Abuse of prescription opioid works by individuals misusing the medication by taking it in ways not prescribed by a doctor. This could include taking a higher dose than prescribed, taking it more frequently, taking it for a longer period than intended, or crushing pills to snort or inject them for a quicker, more intense high. Opioids are highly addictive because they interact with the brain’s reward system, creating feelings of pleasure and pain relief. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of the drug, making it difficult to function normally without it. This can lead to cravings and compulsive drug use, even in the face of negative consequences.

Opioid and other drug abuse is a serious problem in Memphis, Tennessee. Shelby County, which includes Memphis, has seen a significant rise in opioid-related emergency room visits, deaths, and overdoses in recent years. Tennessee ranks 3rd in the nation for opioid use, with East Tennessee having the highest opioid consumption in the state. Tennessee is among the hardest-hit states when it comes to the opioid epidemic.

In 2020, 3,032 Tennesseans tragically lost their lives due to drug overdoses, representing a 45% increase from the previous year. Over the past five years, drug overdose deaths in Tennessee have consistently risen, with the change from 2019 to 2020 being the largest year-to-year increase observed during this period. The situation remains a significant public health concern.

Halfway houses can be a powerful tool for individuals recovering from prescription opioid abuse. These facilities provide a safe and sober living environment, which is essential for anyone trying to overcome addiction. By removing access to opioids and the triggers associated with past use, halfway houses in Memphis significantly reduce the risk of relapse during this critical transition period.

How many overdoses are in Tennessee?

Opioid overdose can happen when the amount of opioids in the body exceeds what the body can safely handle, which may result from taking more than the prescribed dosage of medication, mixing opioids with other substances like drugs or alcohol, or using opioids illegally, where the potency and content are most likely uncertain.

When opioid overdose occurs it primarily affects the brain stem, the part of the brain responsible for regulating breathing. This can result in slowed or shallow breathing, leading to diminished oxygen levels in the body, which, if left untreated, can cause organ damage and death. Additionally, the individual may experience a decreased level of consciousness, characterized by drowsiness, unresponsiveness, or even a coma. Other accompanying symptoms include pinpoint pupils, a slowed heart rate, cyanosis (blue-tinged skin), and vomiting.

Opioids are involved in the majority of drug overdose deaths in Tennessee. In 2021, 80% of all drug overdose deaths in the state involved at least one opioid. In the same year, the overdose death rate in Tennessee was 56.6 per 100,000 residents. This means that for every 100,000 people in Tennessee, approximately 56.6 died from a drug overdose. This rate is significantly higher than the national average of 32.4 per 100,000 residents.

What are couples halfway houses?

There are some halfway houses that allow couples to stay in one, however, there are also some that prohibit this and only allow individuals to go to their halfway house. Whether couples are allowed in halfway houses depends on the policies and regulations of each individual halfway house. 

For those halfway houses that do allow couples, there are guidelines and criteria that couples must meet in order to be accepted into the program. This may include both partners being committed to their recovery, adhering to the rules and regulations of the halfway house, and potentially undergoing an assessment or interview process. These specialized environments provide a structured setting for partners who are committed to maintaining sobriety after completing addiction treatment. Being in a halfway house together allows couples to continue their recovery journey while benefiting from a supportive community. Just like individual residents, couples are expected to remain drug and alcohol-free during their stay.

For halfway houses that don’t allow couples, there are alternative programs that cater specifically to them, in all stages of recovery. These include:

• Couples Sober Living: These exclusively accommodate couples recovering from addiction. They provide a safe and supportive living space focused on fostering individual and couples’ recovery.
• Couples Rehabilitation Programs: Some rehab centers offer specialized programs for couples struggling with addiction. These programs can either be residential or outpatient, offering individual and couples therapy, addressing codependency, and developing relapse prevention strategies.
• Support Groups for Couples: Several support groups cater specifically to couples, providing a place to share experiences, find encouragement, and learn from others that are facing similar challenges.

While these programs aren’t technically “halfway houses,” they offer similar support and structure during crucial stages of recovery for couples facing addiction.

It’s important for individuals or couples seeking residency in a halfway house to inquire directly with the facility about their policies regarding couples. Each halfway house may have different rules and availability, so it’s best to contact them directly for specific information. If you or someone you know is considering this option, it’s essential to choose a reputable halfway house that aligns with your recovery goals.

What are the rules of a typical halfway house?

While rules can vary between different halfway houses, like their focus area being addiction or mental health, there are also other common regulations most facilities share:

• Be sober: This is the core principle of any halfway house. Residents are strictly prohibited from using drugs or alcohol, and they may be subjected to random drug and alcohol testing to ensure compliance.
• Curfew: Most halfway houses have a curfew, which is the latest time residents are allowed to return home at night, around 9 to 10 PM for most. This helps practice their routines and reduces the risk of exposure to triggers.
• Chores: Residents are expected to contribute to household chores and upkeep. This promotes responsibility, cooperation, and community living.
• Respectful conduct: Violence, theft, and other disruptive behaviors are strictly prohibited. Residents are expected to treat each other and staff with respect and maintain peace between peers.
• Program participation: Most halfway houses require residents to actively participate in recovery programs such as 12-step meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), individual therapy, or group counseling.
• Employment or education: Residents may be encouraged or required to seek employment or continue their education. This promotes self-sufficiency, develops healthy routines, and builds a life outside of addiction.
• Financial expectations: Residents are responsible for paying rent or contributing to the cost of living in the halfway house. This allows for financial responsibility and prepares them for independent living.
• Visitor regulations: Halfway houses may have some restrictions on visitors to maintain a safe and focused environment conducive to recovery. Overnight guests may not be allowed, and visitors might require prior approval from staff.

These are just general guidelines, and the rules of each halfway house may differ from one another. Nevertheless, it is important to always inquire about the rules and regulations of the halfway house you’re considering before entering.

Get a Fresh Start and Deal with Prescription Opioid Abuse with Memphis Halfway Houses

Overprescription of opioids for pain management is a major contributor to the opioid epidemic. Many people who become addicted to opioids start by abusing prescription drugs. As prescription opioids become more difficult to obtain, some people turn to heroin. Heroin is a cheaper and more potent alternative to prescription opioids. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is even more potent than heroin. It is often mixed into heroin or other drugs, and can be deadly even in small amounts.

Tennessee continues to see a high number of opioid-related deaths. At least 3 people die every day from opioid overdoses in the state. The rate of drug overdose deaths has been increasing in Tennessee in recent years. From 2011 to 2021, the age-adjusted death rate due to opioid overdose increased from 10.1 per 100,000 to 45.5 per 100,000.

Struggling with prescription opioid abuse? There is a path to recovery, and halfway houses can be a powerful tool on your journey. These facilities offer a safe haven, a supportive environment, and the structure you need to overcome addiction. Imagine a drug-free environment, free from the constant temptation to relapse. Halfway houses provide that critical space, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Contact halfway houses in Memphis today!

Resources:

[1] Tennessee Faces of Opioids – TN Department of Health

[2] Opioids – TN Bureau of Investigation

[3] Opioid Basics – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)