Prescription opioids are a group of pain reliever drugs whose dosage and usage are controlled because of its potency and addictive potential. These drugs can be produced synthetically or naturally but its main source is from the opium poppy plant.
These substances have been widely used ever since in the market because of its proven medical benefits. However, there has been a tremendous crisis from the misuse and abuse of these substances since the 1990s.
This crisis happened due to the lack of information drive on the drugs’ side effects and addictive potential. It showed several side effects even for a short-term period of using these drugs. Likewise, the illegal production and distribution of its counterfeits have contributed to the widespread overdose incidents from these substances.
In the market, there are several generic and brand names of these prescription opioids. Some of the typical generic names of these drugs are Tramadol, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Morphine, Methadone, Meperidine, Hydromorphone, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Codeine, and Buprenorphine.
In contrast, there are around twenty-seven brand names of these prescription opioids available in stores and pharmacies. Some of the popular brand names of these drugs are Ultram, Conzip, Opana, Oxycontin, Percodan, Astramorph, Avinza, Demerol, Dilaudid, Exalgo, Lorcet, Lortab, Actiq, Sublimaze, Buprenex, Butrans, and more.
Prescription Opioids, How They Work
Whether natural or synthetic, these substances work similarly in producing its potent pain-relieving effect.
Once orally ingested these substances mixes in the blood and targets the brain. It attaches itself in the opioid receptor sites where it prevents the brain from interpreting painful sensations all over the body.
Aside from that, it has another function which boosts its pain relief function, that is, it stimulates the secretion of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a brain chemical and hormone which is responsible for the “happy feeling” an individual feels.
Different brands of these drugs have varying degrees of pain relief action. This pain relief action can range either from light to medium pain or medium to severe pain sensations.
For others experiencing an intensely painful condition, the drug is administered intravenously or injected in the area near the spinal cord. This process induces faster pain relief action compared to oral ingestion.
Addiction and Dangers
Despite its proven medical benefits, these drugs have been reportedly misused and abused by a large population of users. It is because of its high addictive potential derived from the euphoric and relaxed sensation felt by the user from using these substances.
It has been classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency as Schedule IV controlled substances. There are several cases of death from overdose with these substances. Around 130 individuals in a day die from overdosing with these drugs which sum up to 42,000 overdose-related deaths. From this data, prescription opioids account for forty percent of its overall overdose-deaths.
Aside from that, these substances pose an imminent danger when used by pregnant women. Its side effects are more detrimental to the unborn child which has the tendency to cause abnormalities. Likewise, the residue of these drugs can mix in the mother’s breast milk.
When medicating with these drugs, it becomes more dangerous when mixed with other substances such as alcohol and other illicit uppers such as cocaine. Other substances which must be avoided when taking these medications include muscle relaxants, benzos, and sleeping pills.
When mixed with alcohol, the depressing effects of prescription opioids are magnified. It can lead to respiratory failure or a sudden drop in blood pressure which can both lead to death.
When mixed with other illicit uppers, the euphoric feeling derived from these medications are further magnified which makes the patient more dependent on these drugs. Likewise, the painful withdrawal symptoms from dependence and addiction are a challenging endeavor to overcome.
Once a person starts taking these medications, certain side effects can be readily felt by the user. These side effects can intensify when the person uses these medications for a longer time at a higher dose.
The typical short-term side effects from using these medications include slower breathing patterns, drowsiness, vomiting, lower blood pressure, stomach pain, and lethargy.
Meanwhile, the long-term side effects from these medications include disorientation, delusions, painful bones and muscles, constipation, cold clammy skin, coma, respiratory failure and death.
Medications and Treatments
The common treatment program for addiction of prescription opioids includes prescription of medications to counter the effect of opioid substances and reduce its withdrawal symptoms, behavioral therapies, residential treatment or admittance inside the hospital.
However, before letting the patient undergo any treatment program, that individual must have enough self-awareness and motivation to accept external help to hasten the recovery process.
The first thing to do for the patient is to undergo detoxification and abstinence. Detoxification can be done in three ways: stomach lavage, oral ingestion of activated charcoal, or blood dialysis.
Consequently, these two processes can induce several withdrawal symptoms which might be painful for the patient. In order to ease these withdrawal symptoms, Methadone is typically prescribed to most patients. Unlike other opioids, this one does not make the patient high; instead, it balances the opioid receptor sites in the brain.
Other medications used to counter the effect from opioid overdose are buprenorphine and naloxone. It generally reduces the effects of these opioid substances by attaching themselves in the receptor site and restores the balance.
Naltrexone is also given to patients to help them recover faster. This medication helps remove the euphoric feeling one feels from taking opioid drugs. It is very useful in preventing any relapse from the patient. A medication of this drug is done after the patient has successfully abstained from opioids for 7 to 10 days.
Overall, these medications intend to cure the biological aspect inflicted from addiction. Whereas, behavioral therapies aim to re-establish positive behavior and hasten the recovery process of any patient.
The common behavioral therapies included in most treatment programs include Cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and group counseling.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to help the patient identify negative thoughts which trigger the craving for the substance. After, the therapist guides the patient in formulating positive coping mechanisms when faced with these risk factors.
Contingency management is also called the Reward System. This intervention aims to reinforce positive behavior and abstinence by imposing monetary or non-monetary prizes from abstaining from using the drug.
Group counseling aims to re-establish the socialization skills of the patient. In the group, each member is given a chance to share one’s experience in dealing with the condition. From these sharings, insight learning is also promoted among the members. Likewise, the group also conducts community extension service to exercise their social responsibility skills.
