Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin as well as prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. Opioids are dangerous because they can be highly addictive and lead to sudden, fatal overdoses. The opioid epidemic is a major public health crisis in the United States, and it is important to seek addiction treatment programs if you are struggling with opioid addiction.
Seeking treatment for opioid addiction is an extremely important thing to do if you or a loved one suffers from addiction. Opioids are very dangerous, as even the slightest error can result in permanent damage or even death. Receiving targeted care from opioid rehab in Lexington, Kentucky, can help provide the personalized guidance and treatment you need. For more information, reach out to our team of substance abuse treatment experts today at 855.590.9944.
Understanding The Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic has been a pressing issue in the United States for many years. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were more than 42,000 opioid-related deaths, most of which were due to fentanyl. Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid that is often prescribed to patients who are terminally ill. However, it is also being trafficked illegally and is often responsible for overdoses.
The most important thing to know about fentanyl is that it is extremely potent and can be deadly in small doses. Fentanyl can be 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. This means that even a small amount of fentanyl can cause an overdose.
Another important thing to know about fentanyl is that it is often trafficked illegally. Drug dealers will mix fentanyl with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, without the knowledge of the buyer. This can lead to deadly consequences, as buyers may not be expecting the high levels of fentanyl in these other drugs.
Most Commonly Abused Opioids
The most commonly abused opioids include:
Heroin
Heroin is one of the most commonly abused opioids in the world. It is a highly addictive drug that can quickly lead to serious health issues, lack of interest in life, and extreme chemical dependence. Heroin is especially dangerous due to the rising risk of Fentanyl being present in the drug without the user’s knowledge. This has been the cause of an alarming number of overdoses in recent years.
OxyContin
Oxycontin is a prescription opioid medication that is commonly abused among drug addicts in the US. It is a powerful narcotic that can lead to addiction and a lack of regard for negative consequences. When taken in high doses, Oxycontin can suppress breathing and can be fatal. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Vicodin
Vicodin is another commonly abused prescription opioid. It is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, and it is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Vicodin addiction can occur when someone takes the medication without a prescription or takes more than the prescribed amount.
Vicodin addiction can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, respiratory problems, and addiction.
Morphine
Morphine is a powerful opioid analgesic that has been in use for more than two centuries. Morphine is a derivative of opium, which is the dried sap from poppy plants. Morphine quickly dissolves in water and is taken intravenously, smoked, or eaten. Morphine binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain and producing euphoria.
Morphine addiction most often begins with legitimate use of the drug to manage pain after an injury or surgery. However, people can develop a tolerance to morphine and need increasingly larger doses to achieve the desired effect. As doses increase, so does the risk of addiction and other serious health problems, such as respiratory depression and overdose.
Overcoming Opioid Abuse with Roaring Brook Recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to opioids, it is important to seek professional help. There are many addiction treatment programs available that can help you get your life back on track. Opioid addiction is an issue that can quickly turn disastrous if it is not treated with a personalized opioid rehab program. At Roaring Brook Recovery, our opioid rehab programs in Lexington, Kentucky, are designed to provide personalized, evidence-based guidance to help individuals overcome addiction and maintain sobriety for the long term.
Trust in the guidance of experts. Reach out to our team of professionals today at 855.590.9944.