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Prescription painkillers are commonly used to manage acute or short-term pain. However, these drugs can also lead to a painful and dangerous form of addiction known as painkiller abuse. When taken in excess, these drugs become far more than a simple medication — they become a powerful stimulant that alters the user’s mental state and prompts compulsive drug use. The problem with prescription opioids is not new, but it continues to grow at an alarming rate. According to data from the National Drug Intelligence Center, an estimated 17 million Americans misused prescription opioids in 2014. That number is expected to increase by another 20% by the year 2020. What Are Prescription Opioids? These drugs are very effective at managing acute or short-term pain such as from surgery or injuries. However, these drugs can also lead to a painful and dangerous form of addiction known as opioid painkiller abuse Best Rehabilitation centre in Mumbai

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid that is used to manage pain and treat opioid dependence. It is a Schedule II controlled substance. There have been increasing concerns about the abuse potential of buprenorphine, which led to the passage of federal legislation that regulates its use. The Controlled Substance Act (CSA) of 1970 created three categories of drugs based on their potential for abuse and the degree of control the government has over them. These drugs are Schedule I, Schedule II, and Schedule III. Schedule I drugs are considered highly dangerous and have a high potential for abuse, and the substances in this schedule have no recognized medical use. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, but also have a recognized medical use and a high potential for safety. These drugs are subject to tighter controls. Schedule III drugs have less potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs, but also less potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs. A drug can be moved up or down a schedule depending on the circumstances. Buprenorphine began its journey from Schedule III to the more restrictive Schedule II in the year 2000.

Codeine

Codeine is an opioid that has been used for over 150 years to treat coughs, bronchial congestion, and pain. Codeine is available in a number of over-the-counter preparations including pain relievers, decongestants, and analgesics that have also been abused. Abuse of these over-the-counter products can lead to addiction.

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance that is used to manage pain and treat moderate to severe pain. It is a powerful opioid drug that works in the brain to reduce feelings of pain by affecting the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. In addition to being abused and addicted, hydrocodone is also a common ingredient in counterfeit prescription painkillers. Hydrocodone and other powerful opioid painkillers can be purchased from online pharmacies and in various forms, including tablets and liquids.

Morphine

Morphine is a powerful Schedule II controlled substance that is used to manage pain and treat severe pain. While many people are aware of the risks of opioid addiction, not many know that morphine is also commonly abused and can lead to opioid dependency.

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance that is used to manage pain and treat severe pain. Like other powerful opioid painkillers, oxycodone can be abused and lead to opioid dependence.

Endorphins in Pain Killers

Endorphins are natural chemicals in the brain that are responsible for feelings of wellbeing, pleasure, and happiness. When someone takes a painkiller, these endorphins are blocked, making the user feel less pain while also experiencing a sense of euphoria. Because opioid drugs such as hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone work by mimicking these endorphins, the drugs are effectively “killing two birds with one stone.” That is, they reduce the level of pain while also inducing a feeling of pleasure.

Mixed Opioid Analgesics

Mixed opioid painkillers are commonly abused and lead to a dangerous form of opioid dependence. Mixed opioid painkillers are a combination of an opioid drug, such as hydrocodone or oxycodone, with a non-opioid drug, such as an anti-diarrheal. The mixture of opioid and non-opioid ingredients produces a potent, euphoric high when abused.

Why Are Prescription OpioIDS Being Taken Excessively?

Prescription opioids are effective painkillers, but they are also highly addictive. People who become dependent on these drugs will often do whatever it takes to get their next fix. This can include stealing pills from a doctor’s office, trading sexual favors for pills, and even committing fraud.

Signs and Symptoms of Painkiller Abuse

-Tolerance: The need to take larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect. -Intolerance: Not being able to stop once the drug is started. -Withdrawal: Severe physical and psychological symptoms when the drugs are stopped. The most common symptoms of opioid dependence are flu-like feelings, sweating, nausea, muscle aches, unquenchable thirst, mental clouding, and insomnia. -Addiction: Feeling of needing more of the drug to experience the same level of euphoria. -Polydrug Use: Combining prescription drugs with other substances, such as alcohol or marijuana.

Treatment for Painkiller Addiction

Most people who are addicted to painkillers can be treated successfully with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT includes a combination of counseling, therapy, and medicine that gradually decreases the amount of opioids a person is taking.

Conclusion

Despite the risks of prescription opioid abuse, these drugs are still frequently prescribed for routine pain. The CDC reports that the most common prescription for these drugs is for pain management in people with cancer. People who abuse painkillers may feel ashamed, but there are ways you can protect yourself from these dangerous drugs. First, talk to your doctor if you think you might have a problem with prescription opioids. Second, keep your medication in a secure place where people other than yourself don’t have access to it. Third, avoid mixing your prescription drugs with those that are not meant to treat pain, such as alcohol.

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