Opioid Addiction
Opioids are drugs that act on the nervous system to relieve pain. Some of the more well-known opioids are fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine. Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused and can lead to opioid addiction.
Regular use—even as prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can lead to overdose incidents and deaths.
Our bodies begin to build a tolerance for opioids and thus we have to take more to get the same effect. People taking opioids for chronic pain are especially at risk because tolerance continues to grow even after they are taking the maximum dose prescribed by a doctor.
Drug tolerance may lead to physical dependency, addiction, abuse, and overdose.
The state of Utah, where Triumph Youth Services is located, has the 7th highest drug overdose rate in the US. Eighty percent of heroin users started with prescription opioids. And 6 Utahns die every week from opioid overdose.
Opioid addiction is characterized by compulsive use despite harmful consequences. The craving to get high and/or avoid withdrawal leads to drug abuse, taking higher or more frequent doses than prescribed. Ultimately, people may turn to crime or illicit drugs, like heroin, to feed their addiction.
Opioids depress the part of the brain that controls breathing and alertness. If a person takes too many opioids it can cause them to stop breathing and die. Opioids may be seen as safe because they are prescribed by a doctor. However, these are risky and potentially life-threatening substances. If you or someone you love is taking opioids, it is important to know the signs of an overdose and what to do.
Some of the signs of opioid overdose include:
- small, pinpoint pupils
- blue/purple fingernails and lips
- won’t wake up, limp or lifeless
- shallow breathing or not breathing
- faint heartbeat
- gurgling/choking noise
If you suspect your child may be addicted to opioids, there IS help. Please don’t hesitate to get the help they need. At Triumph, we’re here to help. Always.
