Many people ask, “Is Dopesick true?” or “Is Dopesick based on a true story?” But what is dopesick? Dopesick is a highly popular television series that follows the terrible impact of the opioid crisis in the United States. In this article we will discuss what dopesick means, how accurate is dopesick, and how the current opioid crisis developed.
What Does the Term Dopesick Mean?
The term "dopesick" is a colloquial expression used to describe the symptoms of withdrawal that individuals experience when they stop using opioids. The word is a combination of "dope," a slang term for drugs, especially in the context of narcotics like opioids, and "sick," indicating the often unpleasant and distressing symptoms associated with withdrawal. Many people stay on opioids just to avoid the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that come with detox.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Flu-like symptoms
These symptoms arise as the body adjusts to the absence of the opioid substance it has become dependent on.
What is the Story Behind the “Dopesick” Miniseries?
“Dopesick" is a television miniseries based on the non-fiction book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America, by Beth Macy. It follows the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic in the United States, particularly in the Appalachian region. The narrative is woven through various timelines and perspectives, exploring the origins of the crisis, its progression, and its profound effects on individuals, families, and communities. The series sheds light on how Purdue Pharma (a massive pharmaceutical company) persuaded doctors to prescribe the drug to thousands of innocent and hapless patients. Excessive prescription of opioids, such as OxyContin, resulted in a significant opioid drug crisis in the United States.
“Dopesick” also examines the challenges that law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and affected families face as they grapple with the epidemic's social, economic, and emotional ramifications. Through a mix of compelling characters and realistic stories, "Dopesick" offers a nuanced portrayal of the opioid crisis, urging viewers to consider the systemic issues that fueled the epidemic and the urgent need for solutions.
How True Is Dopesick?
The characters in dopesick are fictional but are based on real people who dealt with opioid addiction. Many components of the story are real, such as the drug Oxycontin, the company Purdue Pharma, and the Sackler family. The Sackler family were the original owners of Purdue Pharma. The company itself and some of the family members faced heavy lawsuits for marketing and overprescription of addictive pharmaceutical drugs like OxyContin. The portrayal of how OxyContin (brand name for oxycodone) was initially marketed as non-addictive is also true.
Oxycontin is addictive, and addiction can result in overdose and death. Oxycodone addiction is treatable. Reach out to us at Avenues Recovery if you or a loved one suffer from opioid addiction.
How did the Current Opioid Crisis Develop?
The opioid crisis in the United States is a devastating public health emergency characterized by the widespread misuse and addiction to opioids, including prescription painkillers and illicit drugs like heroin and synthetic opioids. The crisis traces its roots to the overprescription of opioid pain medications in the 1990s, with pharmaceutical companies assuring healthcare providers that these drugs were not highly addictive. As a result, there was a surge in opioid prescriptions, leading to a significant increase in opioid dependence and addiction.
In the 2010s, efforts to curb prescription opioids eventually led to people buying illegal opioids, such as heroin and potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This transition intensified the crisis, leading to a sharp rise in overdose deaths and prompting national attention and emergency responses.
Despite ongoing efforts to address the crisis through legislative measures, public awareness campaigns, and increased access to addiction treatment, the opioid crisis remains a complex and multifaceted challenge with profound social, economic, and health implications. The number of overdose deaths involving opioids increased from 21,089 in 2010 to 47,600 in 2017, maintaining a stable trend until 2019. However, there was a substantial surge in 2020, recording 68,630 reported deaths, and this upward trend continued in 2021 with a reported 80,411 overdose deaths.
What Is the Process for Opioid Addiction Treatment?
The treatment for opioid addiction typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies, counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and support from healthcare professionals.
Here's an overview of the process:
Assessment and Evaluation: Individuals seeking treatment for opioid addiction undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine the severity of their addiction, overall health, and any co-occurring mental health disorders.
Detoxification (Detox): Detoxification is the process of clearing opioids from the body. This can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Medical supervision is often necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe. Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or clonidine may be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral Therapies: Behavioral therapies aim to modify attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. They can be provided in individual, group, or family settings.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps individuals recognize and cope with triggers that lead to drug use.
Contingency Management: Incentives are provided to encourage positive behaviors, such as staying drug-free.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): A counseling approach that helps individuals find the motivation to make positive life changes.
Support Groups: Participation in support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery, can provide a sense of community and support from others who are also in recovery.
Relapse Prevention: Individuals learn strategies to prevent relapse and cope with potential triggers. This often involves ongoing counseling and support.
Long-Term Follow-Up: Ongoing support and monitoring are essential for maintaining recovery. This may include regular check-ups with healthcare providers, continued counseling, and participation in support groups.
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders: If the individual has co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, integrated treatment for both addiction and mental health issues is crucial.
Lifestyle Changes:
Positive lifestyle changes include:
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Stress management techniques
All of these measures can contribute to long-term recovery.
In Conclusion:
Overcoming an addiction is extremely tough. Avenues Recovery offers top-notch addiction rehab and treatment options, to give you the best chance at reaching and maintaining sobriety. If you or a loved one suffer from opioid addiction, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to healing. Our team of highly professional and dedicated addiction counselors will create a specialized treatment plan for you, and support you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your journey to a happier, healthier and addiction free future.