Opioids, also known as narcotics, are medications prescribed to treat severe pain. These are mostly provided to patients who suffer from chronic back pains, headaches and injuries, or are recovering from surgery.
Commonly prescribed opioids include morphine, oxymorphone, fentanyl, codeine and hydrocodone. Although these are effective, doctors only prescribe them under certain circumstances because of the risks they carry and the fact that they can be highly addictive – some medicines are made from the opium poppy plant, while some are created in a lab using the same chemical structure.
Although opioids can help patients relieve pain, it simultaneously makes them high, so they are often misused for non-medical reasons.
When people are addicted to opioids, they find different ways to consume them. Some simply swallow pills, while some make a power to inhale or mix with water and inject into their veins.
Signs of addiction
Opioid addiction is common in the United States. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, about 80% of heroin addicts in the US began with prescription opioids.
There are many signs of addiction, such as:
- mood swings
- hyperactivity
- lack of motivation
- depression
- anxiety
- distorted perception of reality
- disorientation
- loss of concentration
- slowed or slurred speech
- loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- diminished coordination
- stealing from loved ones
- social withdrawal
- itchy skin
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- vomiting
- headaches
- weight loss
- cramps
Withdrawal symptoms
Prolonged exposure to opioid medication can make the individual dependent. Withdrawal symptoms refer to the effects one faces when trying to stop using the substance. These include:
- insomnia
- cramps
- anxiety
- cravings
- diarrhoea
- suicidal ideation
- shakes
- muscles aches
- irritation
- sweating
Some of the symptoms can be seen as early as a few hours after the last dose.
The use of opioids can also result in numerous side effects on the body and brain, which could lead to hospitalisations and even death.
When an individual consumes them, their brain is filled with the feel-good chemical dopamine. Repeated use of opioids sends a strong message to the brain to continue using the substance, which could lead to addition.
Opioids also affect the respiratory system, where an individual might feel they can’t breathe. Some might get nauseated, and experience stomach pain and delayed digestion.
Furthermore, opioids are known to suppress normal functionality of the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections.
The World Health Organization supports countries that govern the rational use of opioids for medical purposes. It also ensures optimal availability of these medications in the market to mitigate misuse and abuse.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg. Connect with him on Twitter @dennisr_howell.