1.They are effective
In terms of pain relief, opioids can be more effective than other drugs. They have been proven to effectively treat severe pain from conditions such as cancer, burns, and surgery. In some cases, they can be a person’s only source of relief from a painful disease.
2.They are Affordable
Aside from being more effective in some cases, opioids are also cheaper than some other forms of pain relief. This might be appealing to some individuals where financial limitations can limit the availability of other pain medications. Opioids are often sold without a prescription, making them accessible to more people than other drugs.
3.The Short-Term Benefits
Unfortunately, many individuals tend to focus on the short-term benefits of opioid drugs rather than the potential long-term effects. When used appropriately, opioid painkillers can provide quick and effective relief from acute pain after an operation or accident. However, the fact remains that all drugs have the potential to cause addiction. The effects of addiction can be severe for individuals who use these medications with prolonged use.
4.Depression
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, opioids are the second most common class of drugs used for depression. Since these medications can be both sedating and euphoric, they are sometimes prescribed in combination with antidepressants to alleviate the pain of depression.
5.Social Isolation
Social isolation is dangerous because it increases an individual’s risk for suicide. However, it isn’t always easy to tell when someone is experiencing this type of depression. When individuals stop taking an opioid painkiller medication, they might experience withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Some individuals may attempt suicide to relieve these symptoms.
6.It Relieves Pain
Opioid drug medication does more than reducing pain. Some pharmaceutical companies have made these drugs into “analgesic” or pain medications that are euphoriant or sedative. These additional effects can make it even harder for people to quit using these medications. They also make the drug more difficult to regulate if it is taken for reasons other than pain relief.
7.Physical Dependability
Physical dependency on opioid drugs is defined as the need to consume these medications to maintain a normal level of functioning, even after an individual no longer has substantial pain or other symptoms. The problem with this type of dependence is that it may make it harder for individuals to recover from dependence on their medication. In some cases, people who quit taking opioids without help from a doctor may experience withdrawal symptoms which can be very severe.
8.Mental Dependency
Mental dependency on painkillers is one of the most serious potential effects of these medications. Mental addiction refers to a strong craving for opioid drugs, making it very difficult for an individual to stop using their medication without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. In the worst-case scenario, a person who develops a mental dependency on these drugs might die from an overdose to stop their symptoms.
9.Physical Withdrawal
In some cases, people take painkillers in an attempt to cope with the symptoms of drug withdrawal. In this way, they can become dependent on these medications very quickly. The length of time between when a person stops using their medication and when they experience withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. Some individuals may begin experiencing symptoms immediately, while others may take several months.
10.Addiction
Lastly, opioid abuse is another potential effect of these medications. An individual may take these drugs in an attempt to achieve the euphoric effects associated with them. However, addiction can occur even when taking appropriate doses of painkillers. Opioid addiction includes craving for opioids, taking more than intended, and using the drug primarily to achieve a high. These behaviors can lead to serious problems for an individual, including physical dependence and even death.
Call to Action
It is important to remember that opioid medications can be addictive and lead to serious problems. It is also important to take the time to educate yourself about these medications and their potential effects so you can make informed decisions. If you or a loved one has questions about painkillers, call us at 772-266-5320 for a free and confidential consultation.
