Opioids are prescribed for pain ranging from moderate to severe. Prescriptions for opioids are common following surgery, injury, or to treat health conditions. Opioids prescribed to treat chronic pain are becoming more common. This is problematic as opioids can be harmful and the long term effectiveness of opioids is unknown.
The Problem With Prescription Opioids
Opioids can be highly addictive, therefore it is important to only prescribe when necessary. In 2014, opioids were the most prescribed medication in the United States. This raises concern considering the many issues associated with opioids. The first step in reducing the frequency of opioid use is improving the treatment of pain. Prevention of the abuse of opioids is the best option.
Even when taken as directed, prescription opioids have numerous side effects. Increased sensitivity to pain, confusion, and depression are just a few. However, tolerance and physical dependence can cause long term issues. Tolerance is when more of the medication is necessary to treat the same pain. Physical dependence is present when withdrawal symptoms occur when an individual stops taking the medication. Tolerance and physical dependence can lead to addiction, which can be very harmful.
Opioid Addiction
Opioids are highly addictive. Anyone that takes them is subject to addiction. One in four patients in a primary care setting that use prescription opioids over a long period of time become addicted. It is very difficult to stop addiction once it starts. Thus, prevention of addiction important.
Overdose is another problem resulting from opioid addiction. Consequently, if an individual takes too many prescription opioids they may overdose, and possibly die. Benzodiazepines, central nervous system depressants, are a common cause of death by overdose. It is important to not take benzodiazepines and prescription opioids concurrently. Overall, addiction and overdose are serious, potentially fatal issues that can happen from taking prescription opioids.
Get Certified
American Medical Compliance (AMC) is a leader in the industry for compliance, Billing and HR solutions. Training on opioid addiction and abuse is critical for workers to know. To become certified, please visit us at: www.americanmedicalcompliance.com.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017, August 29). Prescription Opioids. Retrieved from https://americanmedicalcompliance.com/wp-admin/post-new.php
National Institute on Drug Abuse (2017, March). Improving Opioid Prescribing. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/improving-opioid-prescribing
