It’s estimated that over 200 million opioid prescriptions are written each year. This use and abuse have led to an epidemic that’s been fueled by chronic pain. Opioids temporarily hide pain by attaching to receptors in the brain and boosting feelings of pleasure. Unfortunately, they do nothing to stimulate healing, leading to a pattern of pain, medications, and more pain. The good news is that there is a better way to find relief.
Opioids are in the same family of drugs as heroin, and some opioid medications are thought to be even more addictive. The temporary relief that they offer comes at a steep price. In lower doses, opioids can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Higher doses can cause your breathing and heart rate to slow down to dangerous levels. But the most dangerous aspect of opioids is the addiction rate of up to 30%.
- Opioids bind to the receptions in your nervous system that block pain and produce intense euphoria
- Tolerance to opioids can build in just a few short days
- Withdrawal symptoms are severe and can lead to addiction
Science Source:
What are opioids and why are they dangerous? Mayo Clinic. 2018
