You probably know that opioid consumption is widespread across the globe, especially in the US. Still, they are among the most addictive medications you can find on the market, mainly because people may overdose and die from them.
The main question people ask is why doctors prescribe them in the first place. You should know that opioids are one of the most consumed painkillers.
We are talking about fentanyl, tramadol, and morphine, perfect for treating severe pain due to cancer, heart attacks, and other issues.
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However, elderly patients are also using them, which led to numerous deaths across the globe, while in the US, an opioid epidemic is affecting both teens and adults.
Are Opioids Harmful?
It is vital to remember that opioids fall under a class of prescription painkillers such as codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine. Of course, you can also find them in the form of illegal drugs or heroin and synthetic options, or fentanyl.
Most doctors prescribe them to treat severe pain after a particular injury or surgery and chronic pain experienced due to cancers and other severe issues.
Even though they are helpful in pain management, they come with significant risks and problems you may experience after consuming them.
They are among the most abused drugs in the US, mainly because they are readily prescribed, simple to find, and highly addictive.
Side Effects
It is vital to remember that their main benefit is handling significant pain for an affordable price tag compared with other options you can find on the market.
Most doctors prescribe them for chronic diseases because they can help you achieve relaxation and pain relief. However, they come with side effects, you should remember including:
- Slowed breathing
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
Remember that slowed breathing can lead to hypoxia, which is a problem that can affect both long and short-term neurological and psychological perspectives. We are talking about permanent brain damage, coma, and death in severe cases.
Apart from these side effects, if you start abuse opioids, it can lead to addiction and physical dependence.
Things to Know About Opioid Addiction
If you consume opioids for a more extended period, you will become physically and psychologically dependent on prescription drugs.
Signs of dependence mean you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming, which is a step towards addiction.
As soon as you stop consuming, you will experience harsh effects, which means you will have to consume drugs to feel better.
Another common problem with opioid consumption is abuse, significantly because you can develop it without noticing.
We are talking about a disease that happens when your brain and body get used to certain effects of a particular drug, which means you will not stop it with ease.
Substance use disorder or addiction happens when you cannot stop consuming drugs even though it has affected your life, including finances, employment, relationships, and health.
It is a compulsive urge to take a drug even though you do not need it for medical reasons. According to the CDC, at least one in four people who consume these meds will develop an addiction.
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Since these meds will affect dopamine in our brains, that will reinforce your behavior and provide you feelings of pleasure after consumption.
Overdose
According to statistics, more than a hundred people die each day in the US after overdosing with opioids. More than seventy thousand people died due to opioid overdose in the last year, which means consumers can affect anyone.
An overdose happens when you start consuming more dosages than you should, which will lead to severe side effects and even fatality.
Therefore, if you know someone abusing opioids or if you are the one, we recommend you call your doctor and undergo an inpatient rehabilitation center.
Injection Drug Abuse
If you consume drugs in different ways than prescribed, the chances are high that you will experience side effects. Since the body cannot cope with high levels of orally ingested drugs, most people grind tablets, mix them with water and inject them.
However, this is the worst thing you can do because it may lead to heart infections, pulmonary embolism, and other cardiovascular issues.
At the same time, other chronic infections can happen, including HIV and viral hepatitis, especially if you are not using sterile needles. In the last few years, HIV-positive people increased due to intravenous oxymorphone and other opioid drugs.
Withdrawal
Compared with other drugs you can find on the market, opioid withdrawal is similar to quitting heroin, which means highly uncomfortable and problematic. The most common withdrawal symptoms are:
- Severe cravings
- Cold flashes
- Tremors and uncontrollable leg movements
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Sleeping issues
- Bone and muscle pain
Since the withdrawal treatment is harsh, it can lead to fatality unless you are under supervision. Therefore, you should find a rehabilitation center to maximize safety and comfort during the initial days, preventing a potential relapse.
The best strategy for dealing with severe symptoms is through MAT or medication-assisted treatment that features counseling and medications you must consume to relieve side effects.
The medications include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, which will help you manage opioid use disorder.
Apart from using meds to treat withdrawal symptoms, you must undergo counseling and therapy, which will help you understand the root of your drug abuse.