Opioid Addiction: Pain Killers
Opioids are a class of drugs that include both legal prescription ‘Pain killers’ and 'illegal drugs' such as heroin. Opioids act on the nervous system to produce pain relief and, in some cases a "high feeling" or euphoria. They are often prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain, such as pain following surgery or injury, or for chronic conditions like cancer.
Many individuals fall into patterns of opioid overdose and misuse often due to insufficient patient education regarding medication usage, limited access to insurance and funding for alternative treatments, and a lack of awareness regarding the potency of opioids. AWARENESS: Opioid addiction can potentially commence within just five days of initial medication use.
Common prescription opioids include:
-
Morphine: Often used for severe pain, such as after surgery or for cancer-related pain.
-
Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet): Prescribed for moderate to severe pain.
-
Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco): Used to treat moderate to severe pain.
-
Codeine: Prescribed for mild to moderate pain and sometimes used in cough syrup.
Opioid Alternatives
Non-Opioid Pain Medications:
-
Ibuprofen
-
Tylenol (acetaminophen/paracetamol)
-
Aspirin
-
Steroid options
Non-Pharmacological Approaches:
-
Physical therapy
-
Acupuncture
-
Injections
-
Nerve blocks
-
Massages
-
Relaxation techniques
Opioid Addiction: Illegal Drugs
Illegal opioids include Heroin (which is synthesized from morphine), and Fentanyl (which is 100 times more potent than morphine).
AWARENESS: This heightened potency makes Fentanyl a particularly dangerous opioid, as even small amounts can lead to rapid and intense respiratory depression, addiction, confusion, hallucinations, muscle rigidity, constipation, loss of consciousness, hypotension, coma, increasing the risk of death. The availability and abuse of these potent opioids underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions, including prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies, to address the devastating impact on individuals and communities.
-
82% or 4 out of 5 pharmacy-filled prescriptions are opioids.
-
59.5% of prescription drug abusers use pain relievers.
-
70% of prescription drug addicts are addicted to painkillers.
-
59.3% of prescription drug abusers misuse painkillers; that’s 3.5% of people over 12.
-
65.7% of painkiller abusers report using the drug to relieve physical pain.
-
9.7 million people over 12 misuse painkillers, 16.5% for the first time, making it the most-abused type of prescription drug.
-
Just 11.3% of painkiller users misuse the drug to feel good or get high; this is a 6.6% annual increase.
-
Other reported reasons for use are to relieve tension (10.0%), help with feelings or emotions (3.8%), help with sleep (3.7%), and to experiment or “see what it’s like” (2.2%).
-
1.9% of painkiller users say they are addicted.
-
Side effects of painkiller abuse include seizures, a weakened immune system, an increased risk of heart disease, apnea (stop breathing), coma, and death.
Opioids are the most abused drug type, with addiction and overdose rates climbing annually.
-
From 1991 to 2011, painkiller prescriptions in the U.S. tripled, reaching 219 million per year, while the number of prescriptions for opioid drugs exceeded 289 million annually.
-
9.3 million people abuse prescription opioids specifically, or 95.9% of people who abuse any prescription painkiller.
-
8.6 million or 92.1% of prescription opioid abusers misuse prescription opioids only.
-
404,000 or 4.0% of prescription opioid abusers also use heroin.
-
54.2% of heroin users also use prescription opioids.
-
Opioid abuse has declined 21.3% since 2015.
-
Opioid prescriptions increased 169% from 1992 to 2010.
-
Pharmacies filled 165 million more opioid prescriptions than stimulant prescriptions in 2010.
-
One of the greatest dangers of opioid use is accidental ingestion of fentanyl.
-
According to the University of Michigan News, prescription drugs, intended to alleviate specific health issues, become problematic when overprescribed by healthcare professionals—as more than 4 in 10 older adults take five or more prescription medications at a rate that has tripled in the last 20 years.
Opioid Addiction: National Law Suit
Due to the widespread global impact of opioid misuse, cities, states, tribes, and individuals took decisive action to hold accountable multiple parties involved in the overprescribing of opioids, including manufacturers, distributors, and pharmaceutical companies. The lawsuit exposed deceptive claims and marketing strategies that downplayed the potency and addictive nature of opioids, falsely portraying them as safe and effective treatments and contributing to the opioid epidemic. AWARENESS: The outcome of the lawsuit led to a substantial settlement exceeding $50 billion, to be distributed among various states, cities, and counties over two decades.
Pharmaceutical Companies' Role:
Some lawsuits target pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and market prescription opioids. Allegations include misleading marketing practices that downplayed the risks of addiction and overemphasized the benefits of opioid painkillers.
State and Local Lawsuits:
Various states, cities, and counties have filed lawsuits seeking damages for the costs incurred in addressing the public health consequences of the opioid epidemic. These costs include expenses related to healthcare, law enforcement, addiction treatment, and social services.
Distributor Involvement:
Distributors and wholesalers responsible for the supply chain of opioids have also faced legal action. Lawsuits argue that these entities failed to monitor and report suspicious orders of prescription opioids, contributing to the diversion of these drugs to the illicit market.
Settlements and Judgments:
Some opioid-related cases have resulted in settlements or judgments. For example, Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, filed for bankruptcy and reached a settlement with numerous states and local governments. Other companies and entities involved in the opioid supply chain have also faced legal consequences.
Opioid Settlement: 54 Billion Dollars
POV | Opioid Addiction:
AWARENESS: In a global context, the United States stands out as a significant contributor, accounting for a staggering 80% of the world's opioid usage.
A pivotal element within this comprehensive approach is the emphasis on prioritizing self-care measures, education, and heightened awareness to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed for responsible opioid usage. This involves collaborative efforts, such as engaging with pharmacists to review usage labels, ensuring adherence to prescribed guidelines, and actively seeking alternatives when appropriate. By cultivating a culture centered around self-care, self-accountability, and informed decision-making, individuals become active contributors to preventing the onset of opioid addiction and its associated consequences.
Moreover, a critical aspect of mitigating the risks linked to opioid use involves championing alternative solutions for pain management. Non-Opioid Pain Medications and Non-Pharmacological Approaches present viable alternatives that not only effectively address pain but also significantly reduce the potential for addiction while minimizing hospital visits. The integration of alternative approaches and natural remedies not only enhances physical health but also contributes to the mental and psychological well-being of individuals.
In essence, recognizing the disproportionate role of the United States in global opioid usage calls for a nuanced and multifaceted response. Through the integration of self-care practices, education, and alternative pain management strategies, we can chart a course towards a more sustainable and health-conscious approach to opioid usage. This approach ensures the well-being of individuals and fosters a healthier, more resilient community.
Obesity Crisis
COMING SOON!
Alzheimer's Disease
COMING SOON!