Opioids are a type of drug which includes strong prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and tramadol. Also known as narcotics, some opioids are made from the opium plants, while others are man-made. Prescribed for chronic pain, these drugs are addictive and harmful.
A doctor may give you a prescription opioid to reduce pain after you have had a major injury or surgery. You may get them if you have severe pain from health conditions like cancer. Some doctors prescribe them for chronic pain. But then, why do we hear the term opioid lawsuit? What’s there to file a case for?
To start with, opioids are strong prescription pain relievers which are suggested to reduce pain after you have had a major injury or surgery, or if you have severe pain from health conditions like cancer. Prescription opioids are a class of substances that target receptors in the human brain to produce morphine-like effects for pain relief.
Opioid Abuse
Unfortunately and ironically, opioids are highly addictive, and opioid abuse has become a national crisis in the United States. Statistics highlight the severity of the epidemic, with the National Institute on Drug Abuse reporting that more than 2 million Americans abuse opioids and that more than 90 Americans die by opioid overdose every day, on average.
Opioids can cause side effects such as drowsiness, mental fog, nausea, and constipation. They may also cause slowed breathing, which can lead to overdose deaths.
A doctor may give you a prescription opioid to reduce pain after you have had a major injury or surgery. You may get them if you have severe pain from health conditions like cancer. Some doctors prescribe them for chronic pain. But then, why do we hear the term opioid lawsuit? What’s there to file a case for?
To start with, opioids are strong prescription pain relievers which are suggested to reduce pain after you have had a major injury or surgery, or if you have severe pain from health conditions like cancer. Prescription opioids are a class of substances that target receptors in the human brain to produce morphine-like effects for pain relief.
Opioid Abuse
Unfortunately and ironically, opioids are highly addictive, and opioid abuse has become a national crisis in the United States. Statistics highlight the severity of the epidemic, with the National Institute on Drug Abuse reporting that more than 2 million Americans abuse opioids and that more than 90 Americans die by opioid overdose every day, on average.
Opioids can cause side effects such as drowsiness, mental fog, nausea, and constipation. They may also cause slowed breathing, which can lead to overdose deaths.
Reason for the addition
The reason for opioid addiction is mainly because your brain and body get habituated to the use and effect of the drug. Your nervous system and receptors start believing that the drug is necessary for survival. As you learn to tolerate the dose you’ve been prescribed, you may find that you need even more medication to relieve the pain or achieve well-being, which can lead to dependency. Addiction takes hold of our brains in several ways, and is far more complex and less forgiving than many people realize.
Signs of opioid addiction
The most common and possible signs of opioid addiction are:
• Spending time alone and avoiding time with family and friends
• Losing interest in activities
• Not bathing, changing clothes or brushing their teeth
• Being very tired and sad
• Eating more or less than usual
• Being overly energetic, talking fast and saying things that don’t make sense
• Being nervous or cranky
• Quickly changing moods
• Sleeping at odd hours
• Missing important appointments
• Getting into trouble with the law
• Attending work or school on an erratic schedule
• Experiencing financial hardship
How to avoid the addiction?
If you or anyone you know has been taking opioids to manage pain, it is important to discuss with a physician, anesthesiologist or other pain medicine specialist about using them safely and exploring alternative options if needed. It is a must to learn how to use opioids more wisely and safely, and at the same time important to explore what pain management alternatives might suit you.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms of opioid can be any or all of the enlisted below:
• Drug cravings
• Anxiety/irritability
• Insomnia
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors (shaking)
• Feeling cold
How to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms?
Opioid withdrawal symptoms generally last between three and five days, although they can last up to 10 days. Withdrawal from opioids can be difficult and even dangerous. The safest way to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms is through medically supervised treatment that generally includes medicines, counseling and support.
These are the basic things to keep in mind about opioid addiction – its signs, the ways to avoid the addiction and to fight the withdrawal symptoms. Failing these, the sufferers might have to take legal help filing opioid lawsuit.
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