Opioid use disorder is harming millions of people globally, and drug overdose deaths have only quadrupled since 1999. This epidemic is an increasing public health concern that must be addressed immediately.
The need to develop an action plan to de-escalate the issue is evident because opioids have been involved in roughly 75% of the 92,000 drug overdose deaths since 2020.
This article explores the use of opioids in healthcare and the risks that could result from pain treatment that develops into dependence and opioid use disorder. Additionally, you will discover the key causes behind the opioid pandemic and how to avoid or treat an overdose.
What are Opioids?
Opioids are a large class of painkillers that bind to receptors on nerve cells in the brain and safely reduce moderate to severe pain and elevate pleasure levels.
Poppy plants are used to produce opioids such as morphine, for example. But these medications can also be created in a laboratory, like fentanyl.
Opioids are prescribed to those who have chronic headaches, are recovering from surgery, or are in constant discomfort due to other diseases. When using opioids, there may be certain adverse effects to be aware of.
Side Effects of Opioids
Opioids can have mild side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and drowsiness. When you take opioids at lower doses, these side effects may develop.
However, opioids can have more severe effects, some of which are fatal. Opioids can cause unconsciousness, reduce breathing and heart rate, and even cause death at greater doses. These negative effects can indicate an overdose and are dangerous.
Addiction is also possible. Opioids can persuade your brain and body that you need the substance to survive. As you become accustomed to the prescribed amount, you may find yourself wanting more to alleviate your pain.
Worse, these highs may develop into indications of opioid use disorder, a chronic condition with catastrophic repercussions such as impairment, relapses, and death. Over 16 million people worldwide suffer from opioid use disorders, with nearly 120,000 deaths attributed annually.
Risks Associated with Opioid Medication
Opioid analgesics are regarded as a legitimate medical treatment for individuals with persistent discomfort. However, there are risks associated with opioid medication. The ability of these drugs to quickly relieve pain can also make them harmful.
Patients who depend on opioid drugs run the risk of developing addiction, misusing, abusing, diverting, and succumbing to an overdose. Additionally, they have a higher suicide risk.
Substance abuse, untreated psychiatric problems, youth, and social or familial settings that support abuse are among the most common risk factors for opioid use disorder or substance abuse and addiction. It is crucial to be aware of these to avoid aggravating your condition further.
From Relief to Dependence
Opioids are, without a doubt, a blessing for those in severe pain, but they can have potentially serious adverse effects. Research claims that the “epidemic” of prescription opioid misuse is undeniably a result of the overuse of opioids, which has affected all forms of pain care.
Opioids slow down endorphin production consumption over time. Your body becomes tolerant to the same doses that no longer induce an extensive euphoric rush.
When an opioid dose slowly fades, you crave the thrills again. Hence, you are driven to raise your doses immediately to preserve your pleasant mood and because this is what your body believes it needs to survive. This is the starting point toward probable addiction and dependence.
Impact of Opioids on Pain Management
Opioids impede the transmission of pain signals from the body to the brain through the spinal cord. However, your body becomes acclimated to the drug when you take opioids regularly. Eventually, it will no longer be as efficient in reducing your pain.
Even if opioids are used to alleviate discomfort, they will only take effect when coupled with other safer and more productive methods. It is crucial to speak with your doctor so they can help you create a pain management plan based on your profile.
Examining Physiological and Cognitive Contributors to Addiction
Opioids come with potential hazards and can be extremely addictive.
Individuals with childhood trauma or those whose relatives have a history of substance addiction tend to develop harmful coping mechanisms in the future. Lack of parental monitoring and peer pressure can also lead to addiction. Untreated mental health illnesses increase the likelihood of someone turning to addiction.
Exposing Individual Vulnerability
Anyone who uses opioids runs the risk of becoming addicted.
There is no way to anticipate who will eventually grow dependent on and abuse these drugs; it all hinges on your mental health condition, personal needs and choices.
Unmasking the Opioid Epidemic
Fatality rates from opioids have surged to almost 40,000 annually in the United States, making them the leading cause of inadvertent death.
A Universal Catastrophe
The opioid epidemic is upending the lives of millions of people, which has intensified in recent years. Among the most overlooked causes of the global crisis are:
- A massive escalation in opioid supply and availability
- Over-prescription
- Redistribution of medications to family and peers
- Illicit drugs like heroin swamped the market and became affordable
- Legal advertising strategies used by pharmaceutical corporations
These can lower your perceptions of opioid dangers while boosting your knowledge of drug availability.
The Socioeconomic Implications of the Global Crisis
The socioeconomic impact of drug abuse can be determined by the financial burden of drug control initiatives and the wasted human productivity.
The increase in illegal opioid use lowered labor force participation and employment for both men and women. Incarceration for drug-related offenses is also contributing to the decline in labor.
It is also noteworthy that the epidemic has cost billions of dollars in recent years. The recent surge in fatal overdoses means that the total cost will continue to climb.
How is Opioid Use Disorder Treated?
There are numerous rehabilitation and opioid use disorder treatment plans available to help you live a more holistic and healthy life. For instance, there’s individual and group therapy. Talking and listening to a support network regularly aids in putting your life into perspective.
Another option is substitution therapy, which means switching one opioid for one that has a longer half-life but is less addictive. The most common opioid replacements administered under medical supervision are buprenorphine and methadone.
Every form of treatment ultimately creates space for growth and transformation.
Embrace the Beauty of Sobriety
Opioid use disorder is on an upward trajectory across the world. It requires more awareness from medical experts, government action, resources, and a team-based approach to care for those in need.
You don’t have to go through this alone. People who isolate themselves tend to develop bad habits more quickly. There are rehabilitation institutions around that provide a perfect environment for those dealing with more serious addiction. In these facilities, you will receive rigorous therapy and round-the-clock care. You will be surrounded by people eager to help you recover fully.
Embrace the sweetness of sobriety. When you learn to say “no” to the things that hold you back, life truly begins.
