The United States is currently in the middle of an opioid epidemic. It is all over the news and a growing problem in every state. While this epidemic has already taken hold of the country, many people do not even know where it started. According to many experts, it is the result of one pharmacy misleading an entire nation.
At Santé Center for Healing, we understand the challenges surrounding opioid addiction. These medications can quickly become addictive, leading to a range of hurdles that can be difficult to overcome. Let us help you defeat opioid addiction through opioid detox. Please contact Santé Center for Healing today at 866.238.3154.
How the Opioid Epidemic Began
No matter how big the epidemic, it has to start somewhere. For opioids, many doctors blame the shady tactics of Connecticut-based Purdue Pharma. This pharmaceutical company introduced the country to OxyContin in 1995, which in turn led to the opioid epidemic as we know it.
The state of Kentucky filed legal action against Purdue Pharma in 2015. After seven years of dealing with the company’s evasive tactics, the state finally brought a civil lawsuit against it. During the case, the state of Kentucky claimed that the company misled clients and doctors about its OxyContin pill.
OxyContin Profits
OxyContin is an opioid painkiller. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in December 1995. Within the first year, the drug made Purdue Pharma more than $45 million in sales.
The upturn in sales did not end there. In 2000, OxyContin made the company more than $1.1 billion. One reason for the huge increase in sales is the patent on the original formula for the drug. This patent did not expire until 2013.
Why Do Experts Believe That Purdue Pharma Misled Them?
Unfortunately, most people believe that the answer to this question is simply money. During the years of the patent, Purdue Pharma had a death grip in the painkiller market in the United States. It controlled around one-third of the entire pain pill market.
As more people used these painkillers, Purdue Pharma made more money. Despite knowing how addictive the drug was, the company aimed to make doctors feel comfortable prescribing it. In the end, the drug found its way into the hands of millions of Americans.
There is a wide range of prescription opioids available today, despite doctors knowing how addictive the medications are. For instance, a few prescription opioids include:
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
In addition, there are also illicit opioids available on the black market. Heroin is an illegal substance that drug manufacturers make and sell to those who can not access prescription opioids anymore. Unfortunately, the FDA and law enforcement agencies cannot regulate this drug’s manufacturing process. As a result, heroin often contains a range of harmful substances. For instance, some manufacturers cut it with fentanyl, a prescription opioid that is more potent than morphine. As a result, many people overdose because they don’t know what is in the substance.
Whether you’re addicted to heroin or a prescription opioid, finding treatment is essential. Fortunately, Santé Center for Healing can help.
Contact Santé Center for Healing
Opioid addiction is still a major problem in America. In fact, painkillers like OxyContin claim thousands of lives each year. Thankfully, you do not have to become another statistic with the help of Santé Center for Healing. We provide a number of addiction treatment programs, including:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Medical detox program
- Residential treatment
- Intensive outpatient treatment
Fight back against your addiction, and take your life back. Let Santé Center for Healing show you the path to recovery. Finding the right treatment center can be hard. We help you every step of the way during your recovery. Addiction can be beaten, no matter how far gone you may feel. Reach out to us today at 866.238.3154 to learn more and make an appointment with our expert staff.
