If you have been keeping up with drug news lately, you may have noticed that the Opioid Crisis has started to pick up steam, but (still) have you ever wondered which of these deadly painkillers are the most dangerous? Ever since humans first harvested the opium poppy, opiates have been used for two purposes: medical procedures and getting high. Unfortunately, as time progressed, people started to develop opioid abuse or addiction after using prescription varieties of these drugs. As medical reports indicate, current victims of the Opioid Crisis have developed a problem after consuming drugs for dental procedures, back injuries, or other forms of excruciating pain. Many opioids and opiates exist, but we are here to take a closer look at which ones are the most dangerous.
OxyContin
Developed by Purdue Pharma, OxyContin was originally developed for chronic pain patients who needed 24-hour relief. While the company focused on marketing campaigns to promote the effectiveness of the drug, doctors began prescribing large quantities of OxyContin for more than chronic pain, one of the triggers of the current opioid epidemic. Patients will often snort this painkiller to achieve instant results, which can trigger severe overdoses.
Opana
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took Opana off the drug market due to its dangerously high risks for abuse and addiction. Instead of consuming it as instructed (orally), patients used to inject this substance (in the same manner as heroin).
Demerol
Also known as meperidine, Demerol shares a similar chemical structure to morphine, making it exceptionally dangerous and highly addictive. Typically, this drug is manufactured as pills and as syrups and is even offered as an injectable.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids are extremely potent and dangerous drugs that have a high risk for abuse and addiction and can be particularly dangerous for teens and young adults, whose brains are still developing. As we have seen, a variety of these destructive painkillers exist, but some definitely maintain a stronger grip over the human brain than others. Regardless, though, you must exercise caution if your doctor prescribes these drugs to you. If you have a history of drug abuse or addiction or are simply cautious about using opioid painkillers, always remember that you can find alternatives for pain management.
If you are suffering from a severe case of opioid use disorder or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these deadly painkillers.
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 attachment to opioids and take an essential step against the Opioid Crisis.
