Off-Shore Addiction: Fishermen and Drug Use

Bellagio In The Desert Residential Treatment Center

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When a person works as an off-shore fisherman, they spend long periods of time away from working a physically demanding job. Off-shore fishing can be a rewarding job, but it is always a tough one. The time away from home and family and the increased isolation can lead to a drug dependency. 

Off-shore fishermen work long hours at a physical job that requires intense concentration. Working on the water means there’s little room for mistakes or miscalculations. If someone working as an off-shore fisherman faces a substance abuse issue, they need addiction treatment for off-shore fishermen immediately.

Substance Abuse Issues Among Off-Shore Fishermen

Long hours and a physically demanding job can be a recipe for substance abuse issues among off-shore fishermen. When a person struggles with substance use disorder, it can affect all areas of their life from home to work. 

Off-shore fishermen can develop addictions to a variety of substances, including:

For many off-shore fishermen, the physical demands of their jobs lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and injuries. Many doctors will prescribe opioids to relieve the pain while the person heals from these types of injuries. 

Opioids are one of the most addictive prescription medications available. Of course, the patient’s doctor is aware of the opioid crisis and weighs the risks of addiction against the benefits of the medication.

When a person works as an off-shore fisherman, they spend long periods of time away from working a physically demanding job. Off-shore fishing can be a rewarding job, but it is always a tough one. The time away from home and family and the increased isolation can lead to a drug dependency. 

Off-shore fishermen work long hours at a physical job that requires intense concentration. Working on the water means there’s little room for mistakes or miscalculations. If someone working as an off-shore fisherman faces a substance abuse issue, they need addiction treatment for off-shore fishermen immediately.

What Are Opioids?

Derived from the opium poppy plant, opioids are a class of drugs used for medical purposes. Most doctors will prescribe an opioid when a patient has an injury or a condition that causes extreme pain and discomfort. 

Opioids work on the pain receptors in the brain to provide a morphine-like effect that makes the pain more manageable. Repeated use of opioids builds a tolerance to the medication, increases the need for higher doses, and leads to addiction.

The most commonly prescribed opioids include:

It is essential that a patient takes the opioid medication exactly as prescribed by their doctor. Even with these precautions, it is possible for off-shore fishermen to find themselves facing opioid addiction. 

They may find that their doctor prescribes opioids frequently, and the off-shore fisherman finds themself becoming dependent on the medication to be able to do their job and manage the pain at the same time. The transition from needed medication to addiction can be subtle and easy to miss. 

A person who thinks that they might be addicted to opioids needs to know the signs of abuse and addiction.

What Are the Signs of Opioid Abuse in Off-Shore Fishermen?

An off-shore fisherman might suspect that they’re abusing opioids, but they also think that they’re taking the medication for health reasons. It’s important that the person looks for the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction, such as:

  • Visiting a variety of doctors to get more than one prescription
  • Stealing other people’s prescriptions or medications
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and other stomach issues
  • Lying or deceiving people about the amount of medication the person is taking
  • Difficulty breaking
  • Avoiding family and friends
  • Stop taking part in favorite activities
  • Euphoric feeling or feelings of floating
  • Confusion
  • Slowed or slurred speech
  • Inability to make sound decisions

If a person suspects that they or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction and the signs are there, the person must seek treatment for their addiction. It might be that the person exhibits all or only a few of the signs of addiction and abuse. 

A medical evaluation might be needed to determine if the person has gone from using opioids for medical purposes into an addiction. If a person suspects that they have an addiction, then they probably do and need immediate treatment although that can seem a little daunting. An addictions professional can help determine what course of treatment will be best given the situation.

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What to Expect From Treatment When Facing an Opioid Addiction

The idea of treatment might be scary to someone who does not know what to expect. The first part of treatment is almost always detoxing from the opioids, and this is normally done on an in-patient basis. The patient can expect to feel some withdrawal symptoms that include:

  • Tremors and uncontrollable shaking
  • General confusion 
  • Rapid breathing
  • Craving the opioid
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Feelings of anxiety and irritability
  • Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss

When a patient goes through detox, it’s always a good idea to do it during an in-patient stay, so medical professionals can monitor their condition and health. Once the person rids their system of opioids, it’s time for them to learn the skills necessary to avoid relapse. 

This can require a period of time as an in-patient to build these skills without the pressures of everyday life. The person needs therapy, which can be done one-on-one or in a group therapy session. It might be a combination of both. It’s also possible that the patient’s family might need to be included in a few sessions. 

After the person leaves inpatient care or residential treatment, they usually continue with therapy on an outpatient basis. This helps them make the adjustment to living a new sober life after leaving the treatment center.

Addiction Treatment for Off-Shore Fishermen

An off-shore fisherman struggling with an addiction to opioids or another substance needs support and treatment to overcome and return to their normal life. The right treatment program and support system make all the difference. Bellagio RTC uses evidence-based treatment methods to help people recover from drug and alcohol addiction.

At Bellagio RTC, our team of caring and compassionate professionals is always striving to help patients make a full recovery. Contact us today to learn more about the program.