Devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic
By Dr. Josh Palgi and Professor Tara Bogata | Published by March 29, 2019
The opioid epidemic sweeping our nation generally refers to the rapid increase in the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs, beginning in the late 1990s.
Opioids are a broad group of pain-relieving drugs that work by interacting with opioid receptors in your cells which can be made from the poppy plant — for example, morphine under names like Kadian, Ms Contin, others — or synthesized in a laboratory — for example, fentanyl under brands called Actiq, Duragesic, others.
When opioid medications travel through your blood and attach to opioid receptors in your brain cells, the cells release signals that muffle your perception of pain and boost your feelings of pleasure. They are often used non-medically for their euphoric effects or to prevent withdrawal.
Common side effects of opioid administration include sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, physical dependence, tolerance, and respiratory depression.
Devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic include misuse, overdoses and a rising incidence of newborns experiencing withdrawal syndrome due to opioid during pregnancy. According to the National Institute of Health, every day more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids.
Among our college students in the U.S. nonmedical use of prescription opiates is second only to marijuana as the most common form of drug use and is associated with lower school performance and increased risky behavior.
It is estimated that 50 percent of college students are offered a prescription drug for nonmedical purposes by their sophomore year. Opioids are becoming the college drug of choice. Students embrace the misconception that prescription drugs are “safer” than illegal narcotics; the staggering increase in such deaths illuminates this faulty logic.
Throughout our country and universities education and awareness of opioid addiction is necessary for prevention as well as improving access to treatment and recovery services. Incorporating better practices for pain management and stricter guidelines for prescribing physicians are also proving to be beneficial.
Shortly after Donald Trump was elected president, he assigned then Gov. Chris Christie in charge of a national panel to investigate solutions to the opioid crisis in America.
The U.S. Senate passed the Opioid Crisis Response Act in 2018 which would re-authorize funding to states to address opioid abuse; provide support through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve the interoperability of state prescription drug monitoring programs.
Furthermore, grants to create comprehensive opioid recovery centers, implement state safe care plans for substance-exposed infants, and make certain health professionals providing substance use disorder treatment services eligible for federal loan repayment programs were also emphasized.
What do we know about the opioid crisis? We know that roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them; between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder; an estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin; about 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids; and in large cities, overdoses of opioids increased by 54 percent in 16 states.
For those addicted and their loved ones, it is not easy. Addition is a powerful disease but recovery is possible. Here are some signs and symptoms of opioid abuse:
- Mixing with different groups of people or changing friends
- 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
The first step in seeking help if you or a loved one are ready is to find a physician or other health professional who can help or offer a referral to an addiction specialist.
Another resource is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) toll-free help line to find drug treatment near you: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).