The term “opioid” is used to describe substances that affect the central nervous system in the brain by binding to a group of receptors located in that region. The human brain naturally produces some opioid substances called endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. The release of endorphins in the brain is linked to what is known as the “runner’s high” — a reduced ability to feel pain, a feeling of euphoria, and decreased anxiety after prolonged running or exercise.
Opioid substances are synthetically produced for medical prescriptions and recreational purposes to mimic and replicate the feeling of endorphin release in the brain. There are three types of opioids:
- Natural Opioids: Found in the Asian opium poppy plant. The substance is extracted from the plant and used to produce illegal opioids or medications like codeine and morphine.
- Semi-Synthetic Opioids: These are natural opioids that have been chemically modified. These are transformed into what we know as hydrocodone, oxycodone, heroin, OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and Vicodin. Some are produced for illegal use, while others are used medically.
- Fully Synthetic Opioids: These include meperidine, fentanyl, and hydromorphone. This type is fully produced in laboratories using other chemicals.
Opioid users may feel euphoria along with extreme relief from pain. They may also experience drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. These drugs often cause constipation in long-term users, which can be particularly concerning for individuals with heart issues, as straining during bowel movements can, in rare cases, lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Withdrawal symptoms from opioid addiction include muscle and bone pain, involuntary leg movement, diarrhea, cold-like symptoms, vomiting, insomnia, and general discomfort — symptoms that can last from a week to several months depending on the user’s level of dependency. Death can occur from an opioid overdose due to their ability to slow breathing to dangerously low levels or even stop it completely.
In 2014, opioid overdoses accounted for 61% of all drug overdose deaths. The risks of these drugs don’t end there. The danger increases when opioids are injected (like heroin), as this raises the risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C. Research has shown that prescribed opioid use has led to increased use of both heroin and fentanyl. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), prescription opioid use led to an 80% increase in new heroin users.
In 2012, doctors in the U.S. wrote opioid prescriptions for an estimated 259 million people, which was about 82% of the population at the time — a deeply concerning issue due to the severe consequences of opioid misuse. As a result, doctors have become much more cautious in regularly prescribing opioids.
If your doctor prescribes any opioids for pain relief, the following tips may help prevent addiction:
- Keep your doctor informed about any and all medications you are taking.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly for how to take your medication.
- Read the information provided by your pharmacist before using the medication.
- Ask questions about the medication before taking it and properly dispose of any leftover pills after your treatment ends.
It’s important to know that individuals who become addicted to prescription opioids often obtain them from friends and family
