Opioid Addiction In Blue Collar Industries

Opioid addiction has been a problem within blue-collar industries for a long time. Blue-collar jobs often involve physical skills and labor. Some jobs are dangerous and may lead to workplace injuries. Repetitive stress disorder or spine injuries can cause temporary or permanent disability. A workplace injury or corrective surgery can lead to an opioid prescription for many people. Opioids are sometimes used as prescribed. However, people who have longer-term pain or find that they enjoy the overall feeling of opioids may misuse them, leading to an opioid use disorder.

What Makes People In Blue Collar Jobs Susceptible to Opioid Misuse?

As stated before, people in the blue-collar job sector are often physically demanding. A day’s work will make a person sore and tired. Sometimes projects are especially physically demanding and require heavy lifting and backbreaking work. Some people who don’t have access to healthcare may seek out painkillers on their own as a way to cope with health issues and pain.

People who take more opioids than prescribed often use them to cope with physical or emotional pain. They also may decide that opioids help them relax and kick back. This is a common reason that people use drugs recreationally.

Many people who work in construction work with chronic pain from injuries. Opioids may seem like a solution to chronic pain, with a bit of euphoria. But in truth, overusing opioids is a temporary solution for a person with chronic pain. Unfortunately, opioids are highly addictive drugs that cause people to develop a tolerance. This means that it takes more of the same drug to get the effects a person is seeking. When a person misuses opioids, they develop tolerance more quickly. They may also suffer from further health problems, such as constipation and skin infections.

Blue-collar regions often have a high amount of opioid addiction. A study showed high opioid misuse and overdoses among blue-collar workers in Appalachia between 2014 and 2016. Mining, construction, fracking, and other trades in the region can lead to injuries and health concerns for workers.

Addiction Recovery In Blue Collar Jobs

Many people who have walked away from addiction to seek recovery still work in blue-collar trades. Switching people, places, and things often are essential when you get sober. That means giving up friends you may have used drugs with.

There are many ways to switch careers if you live in an area with primarily blue-collar jobs. In sobriety, you may have the chance to change your goals or career. Many people choose to learn new trades when they get sober.

Chronic Pain and Opioid Misuse

If you or somebody you love is struggling with opioid use, you’re not alone. You may be taking opioids to help numb pain from an injury or illness. However, addiction will cause you more problems.

Opioids don’t solve the problem of your pain. They merely mask it, which can cause more problems. Chronic pain has more solutions than just opioids. We have programs that can help you work through getting sober and managing pain.

Getting Help for Opioid Addiction in North Carolina

If you or somebody you love has an opioid use disorder, we’re here to help. We offer both in-person and online therapies and access to MAT when appropriate, and we can help you develop a plan to reclaim your life. We also offer pain management services to people who qualify. Get in touch at 910-295-7646.