(NC) -- It may be surprising to learn that between 2011 and 2012, almost 250,000 Canadians aged 15 years and older, reported abusing prescription opioids (like OxyContin). This was the finding of the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey.

These numbers are especially shocking when you factor in that Canada recently surpassed the U.S. as the number one consumer of opioids worldwide.

While opioids are effective pain relievers, the problem is that addiction can start without warning from a legitimate prescription to alleviate pain, and spiral down a dark path. Opioid addiction is an equal opportunity condition that can happen to anyone, no matter their ethnicity or social status. It is a vicious cycle of fulfilling intense cravings over and over again to avoid the intense and painful symptoms of withdrawal. And without treatment, addiction can be fatal.

While there is no cure, it is a chronic medical condition that can be managed. Dr. Joel Bordman, a physician with a focused practice on addiction and pain talks about getting help:

“Opioid addiction is terrible, but help is possible. While we could use more access to medical treatment in Canada, it is available. Many patients don't know where to start when it comes to looking for help, and feel it's so overwhelming that they don't reach out. There's a new online resource I think will make a real difference. Opioidrecovery.ca can help Canadians learn about opioid addiction, and get information about the journey to recovery and where to locate support services close to home. My hope is that people living with an opioid addiction and their families will use it as a resource to find the help and support they desperately need.”

The good news is that recovery from an opioid addiction is possible. Visit opioidrecovery.ca to learn more.