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In recent years, the use of opioids has become a topic of significant concern, with experts advising people to take these medications as healthcare professionals prescribe and to stop opioid therapy once their prescribed course of treatment has been completed.
Before starting opioid therapy, it is crucial to gather as much information as possible. This is because opioids, while they may provide relief from pain, can also trigger a range of side effects and carry potential risks.
Opioids, derived from the opium poppy plant, can produce feelings of relaxation, happiness, and even euphoria. However, they can also lead to drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation, and slower breathing. The latter is particularly concerning as slower breathing due to opioid misuse can lead to hypoxia, a condition where the brain does not get enough oxygen. Hypoxia can result in coma, brain damage, or even death.
One of the most significant risks associated with opioid use is the development of opioid use disorder (OUD), a mental health condition marked by compulsive opioid use despite harmful consequences. Dependence can develop within 4-8 weeks of opioid use, leading to withdrawal symptoms if use is abruptly stopped. OUD can cause overdose, which is potentially fatal due to respiratory depression. The risk of death is particularly high during early treatment or following relapse because of loss of opioid tolerance.
Physical dependence and tolerance also occur naturally with long-term medical opioid use. Dependence means the body adapts to opioids, and withdrawal symptoms occur if stopped suddenly. Tolerance means increasing doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
Chronic opioid exposure is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, and general cardiovascular disease. These risks apply to both street drugs like heroin and fentanyl and prescription opioids.
Other serious risks include misuse, addiction, and fatal and non-fatal overdose. Illegally manufactured fentanyl and heroin are opioids that do not have a medical purpose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends non-opioid pain management methods for people concerned about opioid addiction. To reduce the risk of addiction when using opioids for severe or chronic pain, people should avoid taking greater doses, mix with other medications, sell or share opioids, and store them in a safe location.
Healthcare professionals prescribe opioid medications to treat ongoing or severe pain, such as back pain, cancer, recent surgery, serious injuries, and accidents. However, prolonged use of opioids can lead to physical dependence.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a hotline (1-800-662-HELP) and a Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to help find treatment and support for opioid addiction. Withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction can be severe and include bone and muscle pain, sleep disturbances, vomiting and diarrhea, cold flashes, uncontrollable leg movements, and extreme cravings.
It is essential to remember that while opioids can provide relief from pain, they also carry potential risks. Careful monitoring by healthcare providers is essential to managing these risks. For those concerned about opioid addiction, the CDC recommends exploring non-opioid pain management methods.
- In the context of health-and-wellness, prior to initiating opioid therapy, it is imperative to accumulate extensive information about potential side effects and risks, such as addiction and overdose, to ensure proper usage and avoid adverse consequences.
- The use of opioids like Paxlovid, while providing relief from pain, can lead to addiction, a mental health condition marked by compulsive use despite harmful consequences, and, in some cases, even fatal overdose.
- Science has identified various therapies-and-treatments for opioid addiction, with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offering a hotline and a Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to help find treatment and support for those dealing with opioid addiction.
- Besides addiction, opioids may contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, ischemic heart disease, and general cardiovascular disease, posing significant threats to an individual's overall health and wellness.
