Opioids
What are opioids?
Opioids. A prescribed drug that has been killing millions. You may be wondering what is a opioid? The word opioid is derived from opium, which is a drug that can be both natural and synthetic. Opiates are alkaloid compounds naturally found in the opium poppy plant, which include; morphine, codeine, and thebaine. They are the most widely prescribed drug in the United States. Opioids reduce pain by switching off pain receptors in the brain. “Opioid medications bind to the areas of the brain that control pain and emotions, driving up levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine in the brain's reward areas and producing an intense feeling of euphoria. When the brain becomes used to the feelings it often takes more and more of the drug to produce the same levels of pain relief and wellbeing, leading to dependence and addiction.” Opioids is a dangerous painkiller, that’s prescribed by doctors. They are fueling an epidemic that, unfortunately starts in the doctor’s office and end up into the streets. …show more content…
When being addicted, if you misuse a prescription and find it to be rather satisfying the person will continue to do it. The brain actually develops an urge to continue to use the prescription and also use more of it. The first thing that you would want to look for in someone that has an addiction, is signs and symptoms of substance abuse. Signs and symptoms of substance abuse can be physical, behavioral or psychological. Drug tolerance is what your body does, when it is able to handle the effects of a drug. When drug tolerance happens, a person may have to take a higher dose of the prescription in order to get the same effect. When a person tends to take an opioid for a long period of time, their dosage usually increases so they can receive the same result as they did when they started taking the opioid. When a patient stops taking the opioid, the tolerance will
What are opioids?
Opioids. A prescribed drug that has been killing millions. You may be wondering what is a opioid? The word opioid is derived from opium, which is a drug that can be both natural and synthetic. Opiates are alkaloid compounds naturally found in the opium poppy plant, which include; morphine, codeine, and thebaine. They are the most widely prescribed drug in the United States. Opioids reduce pain by switching off pain receptors in the brain. “Opioid medications bind to the areas of the brain that control pain and emotions, driving up levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine in the brain's reward areas and producing an intense feeling of euphoria. When the brain becomes used to the feelings it often takes more and more of the drug to produce the same levels of pain relief and wellbeing, leading to dependence and addiction.” Opioids is a dangerous painkiller, that’s prescribed by doctors. They are fueling an epidemic that, unfortunately starts in the doctor’s office and end up into the streets. …show more content…
When being addicted, if you misuse a prescription and find it to be rather satisfying the person will continue to do it. The brain actually develops an urge to continue to use the prescription and also use more of it. The first thing that you would want to look for in someone that has an addiction, is signs and symptoms of substance abuse. Signs and symptoms of substance abuse can be physical, behavioral or psychological. Drug tolerance is what your body does, when it is able to handle the effects of a drug. When drug tolerance happens, a person may have to take a higher dose of the prescription in order to get the same effect. When a person tends to take an opioid for a long period of time, their dosage usually increases so they can receive the same result as they did when they started taking the opioid. When a patient stops taking the opioid, the tolerance will