Opioids are highly addictive drugs. While they provide relief
from pain especially after an accident or surgery, health and medical
professionals have taken a second, more careful look at the use of opioids in
reaction to the opioid crisis that has built up in the last few years.
While all people are not destined to become addicted to opioids,
science cannot currently predict who is susceptible to opioid addiction. However,
studies show how addictive opioids can be to an individual,
·
Nationally, 4 of every 5 new heroin addictions
started with a person misusing prescription painkillers.
·
In Washington State, 57 percent of people
currently using heroin were dependent on prescription opioids before they began
using heroin.
Opioids bind themselves to a receptor in the brain blocking
pain and increasing a sense of pleasure or euphoria. The problem with long term
use of opioids is that the body builds up a tolerance to the drug, requiring
more of the drug to work. Eventually there is no euphoria, but not using the
drug makes the individual extremely sick, like the worst flu symptoms you have
ever experienced. This is withdrawal. Withdrawal acts like a stone wall discouraging
non-use of the drug.
And the risk of becoming addicted increases the longer you
take the drug.
So, what can you do? If you and your doctor are planning
major surgery consider the following,
·
Talk with your doctor about other methods to
relieve pain such as over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, exercise,
or professional help coping with the emotional effects of pain.
·
If you do need opioids, your prescription should
only be for a 3 to 7-day supply and you should take the lowest dose possible
for the shortest period.
·
Securely store opioids away from kids and teens.
·
Safely dispose of any extra opioids that you do
not need.
Local health officials are trying to educate the public to
the benefits of opioids and to their dangers so that we as individuals can make
more educated decisions when we are faced with surgeries or other situations
that may cause pain.
For more about opioids, check out the following links.
Washington Health Alliance:
Overdose Prevention Resource Guide:
Medical Education and Disposal Project:
Snohomish Overdose Prevention:
The Herald:
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