10/06/2026
The 1990's is responsible for a lot of things. Some of the greatest artists and musicians were at their prime. Economic strength overall was great, but not here in rural Applalachia and other economically distressed areas.They became early epicenters for abuse and over-prescribing.
Who is at the most risk?
-People who misuse medications. OxyContin was making a literal killing as they marketed and urged doctors to overprescribe, lining the pockets of everyone but the ones receiving them. Patients abused them, crushing pills to snort or inject them delivers the drug to the brain all at once, drastically raising the risk of addiction and overdose.
-Genetics and biology play a huge role in addiction. Family history and personal vulnerability play a major part in how a person's brain responds to substances. Families that overindulged in alcohol were pharmaceutical prey.
-Mental health always plays a role in addictions. Severe depression, anxiety, or a history of trauma and abuse make individuals more likely to use opioids as a coping mechanism.
-Social and economic factors are there. Everyone is doing it, it is not a big deal. Oh but it really is. Poverty, unemployment, and high stress levels are closely linked to higher rates of substance use and fewer resources for medical pain management and support.
The opioid epidemic is still a real problem that many have to face, every single day. Even when these folks are sober, the effects remain...it is not over.
What happens, how does opioids affect the brain?
Opioids attach to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals.
This binding triggers a massive release of dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and reward, which creates a deep sense of euphoria.
When taken repeatedly, the brain adapts by reducing the number or sensitivity of these receptors, meaning a person needs more of the drug to feel the same effect or relieve pain.
Stopping the drug causes painful physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms:
anxiety
nausea
muscle aches
A person feels they have to keep using just to feel "normal". According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, physical dependence can develop in just a couple of weeks, and short-term use over five days can sharply increase the risk of long-term use.
Thankfully over the last 3 decades, there have been advancements in understanding addiction and treatment.
Athens Treatment Services provides counseling, therapy, and medication to patients struggling with drug and opioid abuse. The caring and empathetic staff guides their patients through life in recovery, helping them develop the strength, skills, and coping strategies needed to achieve lasting sobriety.
All three services are needed for successful recovery and stabilization after addiction.
-Counseling helps patients get to the root of their issues.They help the patient discover the deep seeded traumas that lead them down the path of addiction.
-Treatment help to give viable coping skills and healthy living plans. The patients learn to recognize, cope, and conquer the triggers that cause relapses.
-Medication stabilizes the patient, making them feel "normal" so the patient can regain functioning, and work towards maintaining a healthy routine so they can start rebuilding their lives and relationships again.
At Need-a-Lift we do know that one person's addiction has an impact on every person that has ever loved them. This is something that happens to lawyers as well as service workers. Opioids do not discriminate, this can happen to anyone. The only shame in addiction, is not seeking out the help that is absolutely needed. If you or someone you know needs help, urge them to do so. By all means, please let us take the wheel as they adjust medicines so you all can start to heal, and someone sober can be behind the wheel.
Need-a-Lift Transportation
(740)709-0177
