Prescription painkiller abuse has become a significant problem in America in recent years due to the rising use of opioid-based medications for chronic health conditions. Many people working in the addiction field believe that the fact opiate medications are initially prescribed by physicians has made the problem somehow “acceptable”.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

Opioids and heroin have specific effects on the brain that can make them particularly difficult drugs to detox naturally. According to research, there are a few natural opioids produced by the body including endorphins that effect specific protein receptors in the brain to give a feeling of wellbeing. This is the reason why physical activity often gives you a buzz or ‘high’ feeling.