People who treat pain sometimes cannot stop taking opioids. They become too dependent or end up abusing these drugs.
The Economist said mismanaging the use of these drugs leads to more pain for the users. Opioids are usually prescribed by doctors to patients who are dealing with pain which cannot be easily managed by other drugs.
However, the bad effects outweighed the good especially in the United States. The same report said that about 20,000 Americans died from opioids overdose in 2014.
Since authorities are also hunting people who are abusing the use of these drugs, The Economist said that addicted users are forced to buy their supply from the black market. Sometimes they also choose to consume heroin because of its similar effects.
According to DrugAbuse.gov, taking opioids become more dangerous when taken crushed, through injection or when combined with other pills. This can cause adverse reactions to the body which can lead to serious complications.
It was also noted that taking opioids give users pleasure and a sense of well-being. However, too much of these drugs may lead to addiction and other medical concerns like coma or respiratory arrest.
When it comes down to this, DrugAbuse.gov said that individuals need to seek help to avoid long-term effects on their health and their lives. Just like the use of any other illegal drugs, withdrawal can occur among users who could experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures.
There are medication options which can help individuals detoxify and stop their craving for opioids. These also help them cope to avoid any relapse episode.
In addition, Suboxone said that treating opioid addiction may take a long time. The main goal is to get clean and to stop depending on the drugs.
It was explained that users who stop using opioids may have cravings for months or even years after their last consumption. The same report said medication should be coupled with counseling and therapy.
