Art Contest Surrounding Drug Addiction Highlights Addicts’ Struggles, Benefits of Montana Rehab Centers
Works of art created for a contest called “Bitter Pill: Montana Lives Affected by Rx Abuse” are currently making their way across the state in a traveling exhibition. The contest, sponsored in part by the DEA and the District of Montana U.S. Attorney’s Office, was created as an awareness and prevention effort surrounding drug addiction — particularly opioid addiction. Sculptors who took part in the event used the contest as a way to share their stories and personal experiences about addiction and Montana rehab centers.
If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, painkillers, or another substance, call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about your rehab options. One of our caring addiction specialists will help you find nearby rehab centers in Montana that can help you or your loved one successfully achieve sobriety.
Developing an Addiction to Painkillers
Sculptors who took part in the contest were recovering drug addicts looking to spread awareness.
Sculptor Kim Kay McCarty Martin became addicted to painkillers after joining the U.S. Navy and developing chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. Martin started using opioids hydrocodone and morphine after being informed by doctors that there were no effective alternative treatments for the pain in her legs. Over time, Martin became physically dependent on the opioids, which she says destroyed her life and led to her losing custody of her youngest son.
In 2009 when Martin was living alone in North Dakota, she informed her doctors that she no longer wanted to keep taking prescription medications. After being told “no” by her doctors, Martin flushed her supply down the toilet and suffered two weeks of severe opioid withdrawal symptoms, including vomiting and shaking. The former vet stayed sober for eight months before she moved to Montana and her health conditions resurfaced — leading to a relapse.
Martin finally reached out to a specialist in Helena who diagnosed her with a nerve condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome. After having two surgeries to improve her condition, Martin stopped taking painkillers and has stayed addiction-free ever since. She says the art contest has been enjoyable in that it’s allowed her to hear stories from other recovering addicts about overcoming painkiller addiction.
Avoiding and Preventing Painkiller Addiction
Kaelyn Kelly, Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Outreach Coordinator for the Montana Department of Justice, says everyone affected by prescription drug addiction had an opportunity to participate in the contest. Kelly says everyone has a unique, personal story about addiction, and that people should share these stories with loved ones to avoid and prevent future cases of addiction.
Kelly says some of the best ways to prevent drug addiction is to avoid sharing unused prescription medications with others, and store unused medication away from children, teens, and other family members susceptible to addiction. She also suggests taking proper doses of medications exactly as prescribed, and disposing of leftover pills at drug drop-boxes featured at police stations, pharmacies, and other participating locations.
Montana residents who do become addicted to opioids can get help at local rehab centers that specialize in treating opioid addiction. Opioid rehab centers can help addicts get through detox and withdrawal safely and more comfortably with the use of certain medications. Patients also benefit from counseling and therapy that help them repair and rebuild their lives so they can re-enter society as healthier, happier, and sober individuals.
If you’re addicted to heroin, painkillers, or another substance, don’t try overcoming addiction on your own without help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to speak with an addiction specialist who can discuss your rehab options. We’ll help you find Montana rehab centers that can help you become clean and guide you toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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