Opioids: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Workings and Significance
In the United States, opioids are a class of drugs that can provide relief from pain and suppress coughing. They can be derived from the opium poppy plant or synthetically created to mimic its chemical structure.
Prescription opioids, such as Oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percocet), Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab), Codeine (Prometh VC), Morphine (MS Contin, Kadian, Duramorph), and Fentanyl (Actiq, Fentora, Duragesic), are often used for pain relief. However, misusing these drugs can lead to addiction and physical dependence.
Many prescription opioids are classified as Schedule II drugs by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), indicating a high potential for misuse and severe psychological or physical dependence. One of the most potent opioids, Carfentanil, is used to sedate large animals and is illegal for human consumption.
Illegal opioids, such as heroin, have no medical indication and can lead to severe side effects, including liver disease, overdose, and death. Heroin's street names are well-documented, with terms like Brown Sugar, China White, Dope, and Smack being commonly used.
However, fentanyl, another potent illegal opioid, is often referenced in the context of its combination with other substances rather than unique street names. This is due to the risk of fentanyl being mixed haphazardly with other drugs, increasing overdose risks.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) lists 11 criteria for diagnosing opioid use disorder. Prolonged use of prescription opioids may lead to physical dependence, which can result in opioid use disorder.
It is important to note that "opiate" refers to natural drugs derived from the opium poppy, and all opiates are a form of opioid. The term "opioid" is an umbrella term that covers both synthetic and natural opioid drugs.
In 2019, around 745,000 people in the U.S. had used heroin during the past year, and overdosing on opioids was a serious side effect. In that same year, 68% of drug overdose deaths involved an opioid.
Illegally producing, selling, or distributing opioids is illegal. Misusing legal or illegal opioids can have serious consequences, including addiction, physical dependence, and even death. It is crucial to use these drugs responsibly and only as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- while pain relief can be achieved through the use of prescription opioids like Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Codeine, Morphine, and Fentanyl, misusing them can result in addiction and physical dependence, as well as lead to severe medical-conditions such as opioid use disorder.
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines 11 criteria for diagnosing opioid use disorder, with prolonged use of these drugs potentially leading to this condition.
- In health-and-wellness discussions, it's essential to consider the potential risks associated with opioiduse, including the dangers of overdosing on drugs like heroin and fentanyl, which can have devastating effects such as liver disease, overdose, and even death.
- As science continues to evolve and inform our understanding of mental-health and substanceuse, it's crucial to recognize that the misuse of both legal and illegal opioids can have serious consequences, and that the responsible use of these drugs, as prescribed by a healthcare professional, is key to maintaining one's overall wellbeing.
