Simply put, one of the most common reasons for a doctor’s visit (besides the common cold) is some form of pain, ranging from mild to debilitating. In common situations, doctors may offer NSAIDS (over-the-counter medications) or (in a tricky scenario) prescribe a variety of opioid pain relievers to help the patients cope with this discomfort. Herein lies the problem. Despite the fact that these drugs can provide incredible relief to people suffering from chronic pain or recovering from an injury, opioids can still trigger severe bouts of abuse or addiction. Still, which ones are the most addictive? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
No Longer Working
One of the most common aspects of opioid painkillers is the simple fact that they begin to lose their effectiveness over a period of time, which can trigger patients into taking more than the prescribed amount. Overall, this incident takes place because the human body builds up a tolerance to the drug and gets accustomed to the euphoric effects. Given this fact, you may not be surprised to hear that 8% to 12% of patients who receive prescription opioids will suffer from some form of opioid use disorder.
Deadliest of the Deadly
Based on a list compiled by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), here are the opioids with the highest risk of addiction:
- Fentanyl: More powerful than morphine, fentanyl is typically used for surgical procedures and prescribed to patients suffering from postsurgical discomfort or pain. However, this opioid is commonly cut into street drugs like heroin and cocaine.
- OxyContin: A brand variety of oxycodone, OxyContin is used as medication for patients dealing with mild or severe chronic pain. (This drug has also earned the nickname “hillbilly heroin.”)
- Demerol: A brand version of meperidine, Demerol is often used by doctors to anesthetize patients for a surgical procedure. Medical professionals may also administer this opioid to mothers who have just given birth.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Opioids are extremely potent and dangerous drugs that have a high risk for abuse and addiction and can be particularly dangerous for both adults and teens alike. These substances can trigger severe dependency and a string of unpleasant health problems (including residual pain) as well. Although these drugs can easily help people cope with severe pain, opioids are still dangerous and have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. If you have a history of substance abuse or addiction, we recommend you find an alternative to opioids. In the even that you are suffering from opioid use disorder, though, understand that you can always find the help you need.
Are you suffering from a severe case of opioid addiction? Do you have a friend or a family member who is coping with one of these issues, as well? On both accounts, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward combating the Opioid Crisis.
