Opioids are medications that are used for pain relief, typically for moderate to severe pain.
Opioid abuse is also calledopioid use disorder.
This then led to people looking for stronger doses of medication, with an increase in opioid overdoses.
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Someone living with opioid abuse may be in overall poor health.
Brain
Opioid abuse can cause the brain and body to become overly sensitive to pain.
This often happens when someone is trying to cut back or quit using these medications.
The use of opioids can cause amnesia or forgetfulness.
Opioid use can also cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Lungs
Opioids can slow the respiratory system, potentially leading to respiratory failure.
It can also cause problems such as sleep apnea (periods of low oxygen during sleep).
Bones
An increased risk for bone fractures has been found to occur in people with opioid abuse.
Dangers
Opioid abuse can lead to overdose.
If too much of an opioid is taken, a person’s respiratory drive becomes severely diminished.
This can lead to very shallow breathing or may even cause someone to stop breathing altogether.
An overdose of opioids is a medical emergency.
If you come upon someone who has overdosed, call 911 immediately.
Sometimes this occurs as a result of a medical emergency from drug use.
Other times this can come from discussions with concerned family and friends.
Sometimes people need to be admitted forwithdrawal symptomsas they stop using opioids.
Medications may be effective at treating opioid abuse.
The medications methadone andbuprenorphinecan be used to help reduce the cravings for opioids and prevent withdrawals.
They must be given in combination with talk therapy and their dose is decreased over time.
This medication is usually taken once a day.
When an opioid overdose is suspected, naloxone hydrochloride should be administered as soon as possible.
Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is currently available under different brand names.
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Unfortunately the number of people experiencing an overdose of opioids is significant.
In 2017, opioid abuse was officially named a public health crisis.
Summary
Opioid abuse in the United States is a significant problem.
The overprescribing of prescription pain medications can lead to misuse and abuse of these medications.
Opioid abuse can lead to many long-term health problems and even death.
Prevention of opioid abuse is important so this doesnt become an issue.
Treatment options such as medications, therapy, and rehabilitation are available for those who are looking to quit.
Having an opioid addiction or loving someone who does can be scary and stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no one known cause of opioid abuse.
There have been some genetic factors that are associated with an increased risk of developing abuse.
The use of opioid prescriptions has led to an increase in those who abuse opioids.
Pharmaceutical companies told prescribers that the use of opioid medications would not cause addiction.
Unfortunately, that was not the case, and many people who are prescribed opioids can become addicted.
In the 12 months ending in April 2021, it was estimated that 75,673 died from opioid overdose.
Opioid abuse recovery is different for each person but is never a quick fix.
Recovery takes time and maybe life-long.
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MedlinePlus.Opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. top 100,000 annually.
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