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Opioids are a class of drugs used to treat moderate to severe pain. Although it is called a narcotic, this drug is safe to use as long as a doctor's prescription. New opioids will cause addiction if taken carelessly.
Unfortunately, many patients are unaware of the dangers of opioid abuse. In the end, they will experience addiction, even in less than 1 week. How could this be?
The process of opioid addiction
Opioids work by binding to receptors for nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, stomach, and various other parts of the body. This process will block the pain signals sent by the body to the brain.
In addition, opioids also stimulate the production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins reduce brain function in response to pain and trigger feelings of happiness. This effect is very strong, but only temporary.
Once the effects of the endorphins wear off, your body will naturally want them to feel good again. This effect is also experienced by a drug addict. That's why people who abuse opioids, even if it's only been a while, are at risk for addiction.
Addiction occurs when taking opioids for the purpose of relieving pain becomes your sole source of happiness. Cite the page Mayo Clinic, here are the characteristics that a person exhibits when addicted to drugs:
- An irresistible urge to take medicine
- Take medication to excess, for example by increasing the dosage or by taking it more frequently
- Continue to take the drug even though it has a negative impact
If you use opioids for a long time, the production of endorphins will decrease over time. Opioids in the same dose no longer provide the feeling of happiness as before. As a result, you will increase your dose to get the same happy sensation as when you started drinking.
This condition is referred to as opioid tolerance. The most dangerous effect of opioid tolerance is overdose which is fatal.
Signs of opioid addiction
The main characteristic of opioid addiction is the inability to stop taking the drug. People who are addicted usually have also tried to break the habit, but always fail.
Another sign to watch out for is the appearance of withdrawal symptoms after stopping taking opioids. Symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Decreased ability of body coordination, decision making, and motivation
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Often sleepy
- Sleep longer or shorter than usual
- Looks anxious, anxious, depressed, or irritable
- Experiencing changes mood quickly
How to prevent opioid addiction
Opioids are very effective pain relievers, but you need to be able to use them wisely. Here are some things you need to pay attention to when taking opioid drugs:
- Know the side effects of opioids, from mild ones such as drowsiness to severe effects such as decreased heart rate and loss of consciousness.
- Take medication according to a doctor's prescription. If you are taking other medications, ask your doctor if you can use opioids.
- Underwent therapy other than drugs to relieve pain, such as meditation, acupuncture, massage, and so on.
- Opioids are sometimes not enough to relieve pain in very severe pain, while increasing the dose can increase the risk of addiction. As a solution, your doctor may recommend following combination therapy.
The best way to prevent opioid addiction is to get you and your family right information about this drug. Consult your doctor to find out as clearly as possible about how to safely use opioids and all the side effects.
