There are many ways to treat pain. Opioids are a. Examples include hydrocodone (Vicodin used), oxycodone (Percocet used), methadone, codeine and morphine. These prescription drugs reduce pain recognition brain by binding to certain receptors in the body. In many situations, opioids are a reasonable choice for pain control - for example, severe pain caused by cancer.
Part of the problem is that a person can develop a tolerance to these drugs. Finally, increasing doses may be required to achieve the same level of pain relief. Overdose may prevent a person from breathing and cause death. In addition, the body can become physically dependent on these drugs, so that withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped.
These factors are a recipe for dependence, which is the loss of control over the use of a drug, even if it harms the person. Furthermore, opioids may also cause a "high" pleasant and are often used for recreational purposes and not for its intended medical purpose, which further increases the risk of addiction. Opioid dependence is the greatest risk factor for addiction to heroin.
What is the opiate epidemic?
The epidemic of opioid is the crisis currently facing our countries in terms of widespread abuse of opioid analgesics. Much of the problem comes from the increased availability of these drugs. Four times as many prescription painkillers are offered each year, compared to 1990 At the same time, we are seeing an increase in deaths from overdose of opiates.
Thank you for the efforts to fight against this problem, the number of prescriptions for opioids and opioid-related deaths 44 people appears to have stabilized since 2012. However, on average, in the US a day die from overdose 'prescription opioid pain relievers. Double the number of deaths from heroin overdose.
What is being done about the epidemic of opiate?
Health authorities are working to educate health professionals on the safe prescribing and educate the public about the risks of opioid analgesics, especially when used for chronic noncancer pain. For example, state monitoring programs to track the number of prescriptions for these drugs are filled, to try to prevent drug abuse. They also make efforts to increase the availability of drug treatment, including detoxification (or "Detox") programs.
Specially licensed physician Treatment programs can provide methadone maintenance for people who have difficulty leaving opioids. These programs provide controlled dose of methadone given under careful monitoring, which reduces withdrawal symptoms, drug cravings, and the risk of overdose.
Trained doctors can prescribe other treatments such as buprenorphine / naloxone (Suboxone), which reduces withdrawal symptoms by partially mimicking the effects of opioid receptors in the body less than a "high" risk and fewer overdose.
Expanding access to naloxone (Narcan) - a drug "rescue" that blocks the effects of opioids on the body - can help prevent some overdose deaths. Naloxone Rescue Kits come in nasal spray and forms of self-injection, and are available without prescription in some states. However, as the application of naloxone has increased, therefore the cost of such kits.
How do people who use prescription painkillers can reduce the risk of abuse and overdose?
People taking opioid analgesics should follow these steps:
* Store medicines safely and never share with anyone.
* Take the medication exactly as directed.
* Ask your doctor if a lower dose may be an option.
* Ask your doctor about other ways to manage pain - many non-pharmacological options can help.
* If the drug is not working properly, talk to your doctor.
* Do not take overlapping requirements of several suppliers.
* Do not take these drugs with other substances, such as alcohol or prescription sedatives for anxiety.
* Naloxone have a first aid kit available and train friends and family members how to use.
* If you think you may be developing an addiction, seek help as soon as possible.
By: Wynne Armand, MD
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