Why Are Opioids So Dangerous?
How Do Opioids Work?
Opioids work to control pain to the brain. There are actual receptors on nerves that can utilize the opioid. The body produces natural endorphins that act like opioids in the body. However, the body cannot make enough to quell the serious or major pain.
The opioids affect the end of nerves, and that blocks the pain to the brain. You still have the pain-producing problem; the brain cannot perceive the feeling of pain. Unfortunately, the opioid has other effects on the brain and bodily functions.
Side Effects of Opioids
Opioids cause unpleasant side effects that can include:
- Breathing – The rate and depth are depressed
- Emotions – Depression and sedative behavior
- Restlessness and Anxiety
- Nausea
- Urinary Retention
- Dizziness
- Hearing Loss
- Constipation
- Headache and Drowsiness
- Physical Dependence
What Types of Opioids are There?
Opioids can be divided into compounds that are derived from a natural source of opium. The second type of opioid is synthetic and devised in the laboratory.
Natural Source
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
Synthetic Source
- Tramadol
- Methadone
- Fentanyl
- Pethidine
How do Opioids Become Addictive?
Problems develop not from the short-term use of the medication, but long-term use. The nervous system (nerves) and brain become accustomed to the feeling and depend upon the medication. The nervous system begins craving the drug and its effects. It becomes a vicious cycle.
What Happens if I Suddenly Quit Taking Opioids?
Quitting “cold turkey” can have serious consequences. See your doctor to begin a process of detoxifying. Failure to follow the doctor and therapists instructions could drive a patient deeper into addiction and other consequences. It can take a few or even more weeks to bring your body back to its “normal” or pre-addiction state.
Some of the side-effects going cold turkey can include the following:
- Generalized body aches, worse than the flu
- Significant agitation and anxiety
- Sleep Issues
- Sweating Profusely
- Abdominal Cramping
- Feeling Very Cold and Shivering
- Vomiting and Loose Stools
- Eyes Red and Tears
How Can I Stop Using Opioids?
The right step is to see your doctor and talk about the problem. The doctor can set you up for an addiction treatment program. It’s a good bet that they will have an idea of what centers are good for the patient’s addiction. This process goes through 3 main stages:
- Detoxification – The patient is assisted in helping to remove the toxins from the body. No access to the offending drug.
- Possible Medication Replacement – Medicine has drugs that “trick the body” into thinking it is getting the opioid. These include drugs such as Methadone and Suboxone.
- Therapy – The need for professionals that have a background with addiction issues.
Natural Methods for Pain Management
Naturally, allows chronic pain to be controlled and managed after the patient has been detoxed. Studies are underway in healthcare with chiropractic management and other natural approaches to chronic pain for control of pain without strong medications that could become addictive.
This office treats patients with chronic lower back and neck pain and works with other health care practitioners, counselors and therapists.
Contact the doctors at Coon Rapids Chiropractic Office
for an appointment. (763) 755-4300 today.
for an appointment. (763) 755-4300 today.
