Opioid use disorder occurs when someone experiences clinically significant impairment caused by the recurrent use of opioids, including health problems, physical withdrawal, persistent or increasing use, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home³. Opioid use disorder typically causes severe physical and psychological problems, progressing to a point where the affected individual feels they can no longer function without opioids.

Four common symptoms mark the development of problematic opioid use:

• Craving
• Loss of control
• Tolerance
• Withdrawal

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 2.0 million Americans over the age of 12 struggled with a opioid use disorder³. Misuse of opioids includes two categories of drugs: the use of heroin and the misuse of prescription pain relievers.

Although current academic scholarship suggests that anyone can experience a substance use disorder, there are some primary factors that help increase our understanding of the cause of addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, both biological and environmental risk factors contribute to the development and progression of substance use disorders⁴.

Genetics: Current academic scholarship posits that genes can account for 40-60% of the risk for the development of addiction.

Environment: There are many contextual factors that can contribute to the development of addiction. For example, individuals can be at increased risk to develop problematic use patterns if friends and family are using these drugs, many of the activities you participate in involve using drugs, or if you started using at an early age. Additionally, our environment can include those rules, roles, and cultural narratives that are constructed within our lives

If you are worried about yourself or a loved one, consider the following signs and reach out to a medical professional for further help.

Some questions to consider:

• Have you ever felt or been told that you should cut down on your use?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your use?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your use?

Common signs of problematic opioid use:

• Frequent use — every day, or multiple times per day
• Using alone or at inappropriate times (e.g. in the morning or at work)
• Spending excessive monies to obtain opioid
• Allowing their opioid use to interfere with important things like work, school or family
• Experiencing significant mood swings
• Continuing to use despite negative consequences (e.g. losing a job or getting in legal trouble)

Whether you are worried about yourself or someone else, you should consult with a healthcare provider or contact our staff at Cumberland Heights. We can help identify next steps and guide you toward resources available to begin a path toward recovery.

Safe Start is medication-assisted treatment and recommended to anyone diagnosed with a moderate to severe opioid abuse disorder. We created Safe Start, as a response to the ongoing opioid crisis we are experiencing in America.

Essentially, Safe Start is the administration and physician-assisted monitoring of extended release Naltrexone, a long-acting opioid antagonist used to reduce cravings. Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids if they are used. Unlike other medications used to treat opioid addiction like methadone, there is no chance of dependency with Naltrexone. Naltrexone can also be an effective treatment for alcohol addiction.

Dr. Chapman Sledge, Chief Medical Officer at Cumberland Heights says as a stand-alone treatment Naltrexone is not effective. “The basis of a strong spiritual foundation in the recovery process is essential. Medication is only part of the solution,” said Sledge.

Within psychology treatment contexts, “Evidenced Based” treatment refers to treatment that has been examined across several populations and has been intensely researched. There are many resources available to what guidelines need to be met to determine if a treatment is evidence-based^{5, 6}.

The following evidenced based practices are utilized across our health system.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Systems Theory (e.g. Family Therapy)
• Twelve-Step Facilitation
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) —> See Safe Start Tab

In our programs, you’ll learn vital skills that are intended to help you achieve long-term sobriety. At Cumberland Heights in Tennessee, we focus on imparting 12-Step principles and strengthening your spirit. Addiction is an ongoing illness that doesn’t have a one-time cure — but equipped with the right tools from the right treatment center, you can maintain abstinence from substances for life. Contact Cumberland Heights to get help today.

Recovery from a substance use disorder can be defined as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential⁷. The recovery process takes time and often is not linear (i.e. sometimes an individual could experience a relapse or series of personal setbacks). However, we have found many of those in long-term recovery take an active role in support communities, follow continuing care recommendations and reach out for help.

Here at Cumberland Heights, our multidisciplinary team of behavioral health professionals are dedicated to supporting individuals and families find their path to recovery and live a life free from addiction.

Today in the U.S., approximately 22 million people live in recovery from substance use disorders⁸. Their stories continue to inspire our work, patients and communities. Recovery is possible.