Opioids are a very powerful drug that works as a pain reliever. Generally, Opioids that are prescribed include oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, meperidine, codeine, and methadone. It is true that opioids are usually very effective in relieving pain if you use them for a short period of time. During the last decade or two, prescriptions of this type of analgesic for chronic pain for causes other than cancer have doubled. But, it’s important to know that they carry significant risks. Yes, opioids addiction is a common occurrence these days, and its overdose can even cause death.
According to medical professionals and researchers, opioid overdose poses a great risk of death. For its part, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that there are more deaths from opioid-related overdoses than from heroin and cocaine combined in the United States. In addition to these risks, long-term use of opioids should be viewed with caution, as there is little evidence of their effectiveness over time.
People with chronic pain who take opioids usually need higher doses each time to achieve the same level of control that leads them to a higher risk of dependence, addiction, overdose, and a lower quality of life. Some pieces of research have also shown that long-term opioid use can actually make a person more sensitive to pain. This condition is known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia.
Given this warning, it is worth asking, what would be the alternatives to reduce chronic pain that is not caused by cancer? Medical experts suggest that there is a range of alternatives for managing chronic pain, including pain relievers that do not contain opioids such as acetaminophen or naproxen sodium, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
The experts also recommend physical and occupational therapy, stress management, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, and biofeedback. Incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy CBT, in which therapists work with the patient to teach more effective and positive ways to cope with chronic pain, has proven equally helpful in coping with pain. To avoid complications and opioids addiction, you are supposed to consult with a healthcare specialist before taking any medication, even if it is over-the-counter, because, in addition to causing addiction and interactions that can be fatal, immunity to the drug could be building.
If you are already a victim of opioids addiction, you do not need to worry since there are specialists in treating such as addiction and more types, known as rehab centers. These centers offer professional therapies with the help of qualified and specialized personnel. These therapists are experts and know how to solve drug opioids addiction cases. Addiction can cause irreparable damage. Therefore, help is needed to prevent such damages and achieve good rehabilitation in a timely manner.
These rehab treatment centers offersolutions for all kinds of addictions, and they are located in most cities. They are serving people across the country. They have excellent facilities with professionals always prepared to help the opioids addicts get out of the drug rut.