What Are Prescription Opioids?
Prescription opioids are powerful medications often used to manage serious discomfort from injury or chronic health issues such as cancer. Common medicines in this category range from hydrocodone (Vicodin®) and oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®) to codeine, fentanyl, and methadone.
Although prescription opioids have immense power when it comes to managing pain, they come with significant risks. Prescription painkillers can be detrimental to your health and well-being, from chronic use pitfalls to the potential risk of overdose. Before considering these drugs, make sure to explore other alternatives and learn all there is about opioids — this way, you will be able to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding your healthcare journey.
Identifying a Problem With Prescription Drug Use
Prescription drug misuse can potentially cause irreparable harm, not only for individuals but also to their families. To protect oneself from opioid use disorder and its many risks, including tolerance, dependence, and fatal overdose, it is important to be aware of emerging warning signs before it’s too late.
Common Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder
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- Increased Tolerance — With increased exposure, the body can become more resilient to opioids and other painkilling drugs, requiring ever-higher doses for managing symptoms. Unfortunately, this phenomenon carries complications when attempting to detox from prescription drugs, such as withdrawal reactions that can make ceasing treatment difficult.
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- Low Testosterone Levels — This can lead to constant fatigue and lack of libido.
- Isolation from Family Members or Friends
- Obsession With Obtaining and Consuming Prescription Drugs
Taking ownership of a substance use disorder can be daunting and intimidating — the fear, shame, and stigma associated with these issues are genuine. But acknowledging that help is necessary for full recovery will set you on the path toward lasting sobriety. It’s an invaluable first step to beating addiction! For help getting off prescription drugs, speak to one of our specialists today.