Opioids are derived from the poppy plant. They are often compared with Morphine, Heroin, and Opium due to similar nature. As they are ubiquitous and people can now buy prescription drugs online, this means opioids are easily available. Many stores also provide discounted prescription drugs. The ease of accessibility has allowed people to misuse these drugs. It is estimated that roughly 190 million authorizations of opioids are written in the United States annually.
Opioids Prescriptions

Opioid Addiction

It is believed that addiction to opioids is pervasive today. Opioids are mostly prescribed for chronic pain. When a person consumes opioids, they feel happy and high, as opioids block the brain from feeling any pain, this is the euphoric effect.

Opioids are prescribed for 4 to 6 days, whereas studies have shown that the time it takes for a person’s body to depend on the medicine is 5 days. If the prescription is filled for a second time, the chances of abuse become very high. Opioid addicts start to lose the grey matter that is found in one’s brain. This results in a lack of critical thinking skills and increases impulsive behavior. As the addiction continues, it causes the brain to shrink. The brain also loses the competence of restoring itself. This can be extremely dangerous.

Increased use of opioids can cause fatigue, constipation, chest pain, nausea, and confusion. It can also be deadly under certain circumstances as it can cause respiratory disorder or cause one to stop breathing. It is why getting treatment is very important.

List of Prescription Opioid Drugs

At times, it is difficult to recognize the medication’s names written with the prescription, which could be harmful to the individual consuming the prescription opioids as he might take it more than once without realizing it. The cycle of abuse starts when the individual starts taking more medication hoping that it will increase the recovery process and provide long-term benefits. Memorizing the names of quality prescription drugs may assist you or your dear ones in preventing drug overdose. The following list consists of the most common prescription opioids along with their brands:
  • Methadone (Dolophine and Methadose)
  • Morphine (Avinza, Morphabond, Oramorph, MS Contin, Roxinal-T and Kadian)
  • Oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet and Roxicet)
  • Oxycodone with Naloxone (Targiniq ER)
  • Tapentadol (Nucynta ER)
  • Oxycodone (Oxyado OxyContin, and Xtampza ER)
  • Codeine
  • Meperidine (Demerol)
  • Fentanyl (Sublimaze, Actiq, Onsolis, Fentora, Duragesic, and Abstral)
  • Hydrocodone (Zohydro ER, Hysingla)
  • Hydromorphine (Exalgo and Dilaudid)
  • Hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Lorcet, Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab)
  • Buprenorphine (Butrans)

Withdrawal Symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening for the individual. According to the duration of the opioid abuse, drug dosage, and physiology of the individual, the intensity of the withdrawal phase can be measured. The beginning of the withdrawal takes place within 6-30 hours after taking the last dose.

Initial withdrawal symptoms are; runny nose, insomnia, sweating, muscle aches, amplified tearing, agitation, and anxiety.

Later withdrawal symptoms are; vomiting, goosebumps, nausea, looseness of the bowels, enlarged Pupils, and abdominal cramping

Withdrawal symptoms may show up after a few hours of the last dosage. Throughout this time, the desire for opioids may increase as well as the continuity of physical withdrawal symptoms. The side effects commonly observed are sleeplessness, sadness, nervousness, or agitation. These may appear as the brain is trying to adjust life without the usage of the medication.

Opioid Drugs Treatment

Treatment for Opioid Drugs Usage

Medical intervention is extremely emphasized in the case of addictions to prescription opioids. This consists of using milder medicines that may help eliminate the addiction or use other prescribed medications that will ease the withdrawal side effects such as Buprenorphine and naltrexone.

Inpatient Treatment:

For long term recovery success, inpatient treatment plans are said to be the most effective treatments. Medical detoxification procedures are directed while individual therapy, group therapy, or 12-step programs are at times accessible on-site. In order to leave their opioid dependency, patients are provided with a lesser dose of painkillers or drugs.

Outpatient Treatment:

Those who are unable to leave their responsibilities are provided with outpatient behavior programs. A medical professional organizes a cleansing process. The doctor also decides if any medicine or additional treatments may be vital to assist the person.

Useful Therapies:

Other useful therapies that may be recommended to overcome addiction are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group therapy, individual counseling, and 12-Step programs.

If you are addicted to opioids or any other drugs, it is recommended to get treatment as these drugs can cause serious harm to the body. We are here to help you out and offer you the best treatment plans. Our center provides the finest facilities for addiction treatment. We aim to help you live an addiction-free life and will design a care plan that is made while keeping your situation in mind. Help is obtainable; if you are prepared for your treatment, please feel free to get in touch with us. It is our job to help you attain a better life.