The current opioid crisis we are encountering in the United States is responsible for 130 deaths every single day. The hardest part of that statistic is the fact that most opioids are coming from doctors, family members, or loved ones. Hopkin's Medicine that 30% of people prescribed painkillers as a form of pain management, misuse those same drugs.
Opiate addiction is a serious condition that many Americans are facing, struggling to maintain lives and families while addicted to heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone. Sadly, many who suffer from opiate addiction are struggling as a result of a prescribed medication that they took for legitimate pain.
Many others suffer due to self-medicating an illness or injury, or simply as a result of having used drugs to wipe out emotions.
Types of Opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs that evoke powerful pain relief when they interact with the brain. Overuse or use of opioids when there is no pain can lead to euphoric effects that may cause the user to repeatedly misuse the drug to reach that initial “high.” The most common types of opioids include:- Codeine;
- Fentanyl;
- Heroin;
- Hydrocodone;
- Hydromorphone;
- Methadone;
- Meperidine;
- Morphine;
- Oxycodone.
Dangers of Opiate Abuse
Opiates are highly effective at controlling pain, but long-term use of them can create serious hazards for your health. Dangers of painkiller abuse include things like addiction, dependence, and health problems such as heart failure or overdose. Side effects include:- Drowsiness that could lead to coma;
- Paranoia could lead to irrational behavior;
- Respiratory depression could lead to death;
- Permanent brain damage;
- Lung damage.
Recognizing Opiate Abuse
Misusing opiates such as heroin or hydrocodone comes with a laundry list of potential risks. Early detection of problematic behaviors is key to overcoming the disease of addiction. If you are prescribed an opiate, such as Oxycodone or Hydrocodone for legitimate pain, you could still be abusing the drugs. Below are some signs of abuse of prescription medication:- Taking more than prescribed;
- Taking more frequently than prescribed;
- Taking for reasons other than prescribed;
- Seeking more prescriptions than you need;
- Ask your doctor for other medications to “pair” with your medication for greater euphoria;
- Doctor shopping – seeking drugs from more than one medical provider;
- Running out of medication before the refill date;
- Seeking early refills on medications that are prescribed.
- Taking opiates for underlying health problems without a doctor’s approval;
- Taking opiates to cope with mental or emotional upset or trauma;
- Use opiates that you purchased off the streets or from a friend or family member;
- Injecting opiates or snorting opiates;
- Using heroin.
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