The Epidemic We Should All Know More About

June 5, 2022

Many people are unaware of the alarmingly high numbers of the population that are dying because of their addiction to pain pills. In 2010, there were approximately 16,651 cases of people overdosing on opioids, which was more than any other illicit drug. Of the 5.1 million pain reliever users in 2010, only one in six had a prescription from a doctor, meaning the majority of users were getting them illegally. Here is what the world needs to know about this rising global problem.

A Growing Epidemic

There is a growing, deadly epidemic among pain pill users. An estimated 8.9 percent of Americans (22.6 million) over the age of eleven have used illicit drugs. In 2008, poisoning was the top cause of injury deaths for the first time since 1980, which surpassed the number of car accident deaths in the United States for that same year. Also in 2008, opioid deaths accounted for fifteen thousand lives whereas cocaine deaths were around five thousand and heroin took the lives of three thousand.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are prescription painkillers that are designed to reduce the intensity of pain by interrupting signals sent to the brain from affected nerves. Opioids attach themselves to proteins called opioid receptors located in the spinal cord, digestive tract, brain and other organs. Side effects include confusion, nausea, constipation, migraines, impaired vision, and drowsiness. They are also highly addictive as they stimulate the “feel good” area of the brain that is responsible for reward or pleasure.

The Key Players

People who consistently use opioids eventually move on to heroin as it provides a stronger buzz. Heroin is also cheaper and easier to get because opioids require a prescription. Opioids are available in several forms. They can be prescribed by themselves or in combination with other pain medications such as over-the-counter acetaminophen, caffeine, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills. The two main types of opioids are hydrocodone and oxycodone. Each drug works in different ways to reduce pain.

Hydrocodone

The most commonly prescribed opioid in America is hydrocodone. It is also responsible for more drug abuse and diversion, which is the criminal act of acquiring prescription drugs without a doctor’s consent, than any other licit or illicit opioid on the market. An estimated 136.7 million prescriptions for a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen were given out in 2011 alone. The most popular form is Vicodin. Many states are fighting back against the approval of newer forms of hydrocodone to reduce the risk of dependency.

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is the second most popular type of opioid among drug users. It comes alone or in combination form with acetaminophen and other pain relievers. The combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen accounted for 38.8 million drug prescriptions in 2011. Research shows that the brains of people who take increasing doses of opioids have the same functions both on and off the drug. Tolerance and dependence are the results of overusing opioid prescriptions. Symptoms include anxiety, vomiting, sweating, cramping, and agitation.

Getting Clean

Withdrawal symptoms can be violent and life-threatening to people who are severely addicted to opioid drugs. Users are urged to seek professional help to kick the habit before it kills them. There are several drugs available to help battle opioid drug addiction and overdose. Approximately seventeen states have modified laws that boost access to drugs that reverse the effects of opioid overdose. Many drug treatment facilities are available to help addicts get clean and learn how to live an addiction-free life.

The Battle Against Drug Use

The Federal Drug Administration is fighting the opioid epidemic by offering prescription drug monitoring programs that are designed to collect pharmacy data on prescriptions of controlled substances. The Federal Drug Administration also approved a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy in 2012 for long-time opioid users to become educated on the dangers of addiction. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick came up with a $20 million dollar method for fighting opioid abuse in his state. Leaders in other states are making a similar effort to boost awareness.

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