Opioids have transitioned from being a medication to a drug, especially in recent years with the well-known opioid crisis, more specifically in the United States, where the situation is unsustainable. According to statistics on medical prescriptions dispensed in pharmacies under the National Health System (SNS) published by the Ministry of Health, opioid consumption doubled between 2010 and 2021. The number of daily doses per inhabitant increased from 9.4 to 20.42.
Opioids are a group of medications that can be obtained with a medical prescription. There are two distinct types of opioids: those derived from the opium plant and those that are synthetic, meaning they have been specifically manufactured by humans. Opioids, also called narcotics, are analgesics used to reduce and relieve pain. This applies to mild cases, such as temporary pain from a specific situation like an operation, or more severe cases, such as a chronic illness involving severe and constant pain.
Repeated and prolonged misuse of opioids can eventually lead to addiction. CCAdicciones offers a treatment to combat addiction to all types of drugs. Permanently stopping opioid use is possible with professional help.
Opioid Addiction: Medication or Drug?
According to the 2021 EDADES Report, we can see the reasons why people start taking opioid analgesics. Mitigating some type of acute pain is the main reason, leading 57.4% of the population between 15 and 64 years old to consume them. What starts as a treatment for a health problem can end up becoming another illness: an addiction. Opioids can easily transition from medication to drug if their consumption is prolonged. This will eventually lead to physical dependence, an increased tolerance, meaning the dose will be increased more and more, and the chances of developing an addiction will be higher.
But is opioid use bad? Why do opioids cause dependence? Controlled opioid use, always supervised by medical professionals, can be beneficial for alleviating acute pain. It can help individuals better cope with pain and manage it as effectively as possible. Opioids are a substance that significantly reduces the pain signals the body sends to the brain and modifies how the brain reacts to pain. When an opioid is consumed, endorphins are released, which are neurotransmitters in the brain that cause a feeling of well-being. The effect they produce is the disappearance of pain, making the person feel good, at least temporarily. This can lead a user to become addicted to these types of drugs to mask the pain they feel and avoid feeling pain.
Signs of Opioid Addiction
A person may consume opioids without questioning whether they are using them responsibly or developing a dependence on these types of drugs. Identifying the first signs of opioid addiction will help in seeking the necessary help as soon as possible and stopping abusive consumption. The symptoms that warn of opioid addiction are the following:
- Physical and mental need to consume opioids
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Generalized demotivation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Experiencing withdrawal syndrome if opioids are not consumed or if the usual amount ingested is reduced
Opioid Overdose
An opioid overdose occurs when a large amount of these drugs is consumed. Ingesting a very high dose can cause a slowing of breathing or even a complete stop, while the pulse and heart rate also become slower and irregular. All of this can lead to loss of consciousness, leaving the person unable to react or speak. In addition, it can cause other less severe side effects, such as vomiting, decreased pupil size, pale face, dizziness, sweating, cold skin, purple lips and nails, etc.
Preventing Opioid Addiction
A key factor is prevention and awareness regarding opioid use to avoid a disorder caused by the abusive consumption of these types of drugs. Although it is a medication, it can easily become perceived as a drug and lead to addiction. Some recommended guidelines are:
- At any sign of pain or doubt, seek medical attention.
- Always follow the recommendations of a professional. Do not prolong consumption or increase prescribed amounts. Self-medication is one of the main reasons for addiction to legal drugs.
- Only consume the prescribed pills and quantities. Under no circumstances take analgesics based on third-party recommendations, nor recommend analgesic intake without expert knowledge.
- Do not consume opioids with alcohol. If opioids are mixed with alcoholic beverages, it can lead to serious consequences, such as significant respiratory problems.
Stopping Opioid Use
It is possible to stop consuming opioids after a period of abuse, even when this medication has become a drug. The factor that will enable successful detoxification is asking for help. It is recommended to seek expert addiction professionals and a specialized addiction treatment center to begin treatment and stop consuming.
CCAdicciones is a detoxification center with a multidisciplinary team that offers each patient specialized treatment, taking into account their particular situation and characteristics. Patients at our centers learn techniques and tools to break toxic habits and implement healthy routines that keep them away from addiction. In addition to having professionals specialized in the disease of addiction, CCAdicciones offers various services to facilitate the recovery process.
If you need to start treatment to combat opioid addiction or require more information, do not hesitate to contact us. You can call our 24-hour phone line: 617 200 882. If you prefer, you can also contact us through our form, and we will contact you. We offer every convenience to make taking the first step as easy as possible.
