When you receive a prescription from your doctor, you trust that it will help you heal. But for some people, that pill becomes the start of a dangerous addiction. Opioids are commonly prescribed to treat pain, but they can be addictive and even deadly. Opioid abuse and addiction has become a national epidemic with devastating consequences. Learning more about the most commonly abused opioids can help you or a loved one navigate this dangerous terrain.
An opioid addiction treatment program can help those who are struggling with addiction get their lives back on track. At Recovery Bay Center, you’ll find effective, evidence-based treatment programs for men who are battling addiction and mental health concerns. Our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, and we provide a supportive, safe environment for recovery. If you’re ready to learn more, call our team at 833.991.2955 today.
Opioid Addiction and Abuse
Why is opioid abuse such a problem in our country? In large part, it’s due to the over-prescription of opioids for pain relief. In the past, doctors were more likely to prescribe opioids for pain relief without fully understanding the risks. As a result, many people became addicted to these powerful drugs.
Opioid addiction can develop quickly. First, you may start taking the medication as prescribed. But over time, your body builds up a tolerance to the drug, and you need more and more to get the same pain-relieving effect. As your tolerance grows, you may start to misuse the drug, taking it more often or in higher doses than prescribed. You may also start to feel like you need the drug just to feel normal.
This can lead to dangerous and even deadly consequences. Some individuals turn to illegal drugs, such as heroin, when they can no longer get prescription opioids. However, heroin is even more dangerous than prescription opioids and can lead to overdose and death.
The Most Commonly Abused Opioids
There are many different types of opioids, both legal and illegal. The most commonly abused opioids include:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet): Oxycodone is a powerful painkiller that is commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain. It is also one of the most commonly abused opioids.
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin): Hydrocodone is another commonly prescribed opioid painkiller. It is typically used for short-term pain relief.
- Codeine: Codeine is an opioid that is commonly found in over-the-counter cough syrup.
- Morphine: Morphine is a strong painkiller that is commonly used in hospitals.
- Fentanyl: Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is prescribed for severe pain. It is also often used illegally as a recreational drug. Increasingly, fentanyl is being mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, which can lead to an overdose for those who are unaware that the drug has been added.
If you’ve been prescribed opioids, it’s important to take them only as prescribed. Opioids can be safe when used as directed, but they are also very powerful drugs that can lead to addiction and overdose. Those with a history of substance abuse or addiction are at a higher risk for developing an opioid addiction, so talk to your doctor about your risk factors.
Men’s Opioid Addiction Treatment at Recovery Bay Center
Opioid addiction is a serious and potentially deadly problem. But there is hope. Recovery Bay Center offers evidence-based treatment programs for men struggling with addiction and mental health concerns in our Panama City Beach, FL facility.
We understand that addiction is a complex disease, and we tailor our programs to meet the unique needs of each individual. If you’re ready to take the next step towards recovery, reach out to our team at 833.991.2955 or connect with us online to learn more.