Chances are, you know something about opioids and opioid addiction. But have you ever wondered if what you know is the truth? There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding opioids and opioid addiction that many people believe to be true. Below we discuss the facts as these myths and misconceptions are debunked.
1. Opioids Are Inherently Dangerous
Opioids have garnered a lot of negative attention due to their association with addiction and overdose. However, it is critical to understand that opioids themselves are not inherently harmful when used appropriately. Opioids serve a crucial role in modern medicine, particularly in managing severe pain that other medications cannot adequately address. Conditions such as post-operative recovery or cancer-related pain often require the powerful pain-relieving properties of opioids to ensure patients can maintain a decent quality of life.
2. Prescription Opioids Are Risk-Free
While prescription opioids are effective for managing pain, they are not without significant risks. These medications carry the potential for misuse, dependency, and even overdose. Misuse can occur when patients take higher doses than prescribed or use the medication for a longer duration than intended by their healthcare provider. Even when taken as directed, prescription opioids can lead to physical dependence. This means that over time, the body may require higher doses to achieve the same pain-relieving effects, which can escalate into addiction. The risk of overdose is another serious concern with prescription opioids. Taking more than the prescribed dose, combining opioids with other substances like alcohol or sedatives, or having a lower tolerance after a period of not using opioids can all increase the likelihood of a potentially fatal overdose.
3. Only Illegal Substances Lead to Addiction
Prescription opioids like morphine, codeine, and fentanyl can lead to dependency, even when taken as directed. These medications, although legal and often prescribed by healthcare providers, carry a risk of addiction similar to that of illegal substances like heroin. Many people mistakenly believe that following a doctor’s prescription eliminates the risk of addiction, but this is not always the case. Misuse can occur in various forms, such as taking higher doses than prescribed or using the medication for longer than intended.
4.Choosing Opioid Addiction Is a Personal Decision
It is often thought that becoming addicted to opioids is a matter of choice or a lack of willpower. However, opioids interact with the brain in ways that make it difficult to stop using them once someone has started. These drugs alter the brain’s reward system, causing it to release large amounts of dopamine. This release creates a sense of euphoria and reinforces the desire to use the drug again. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on opioids to release dopamine, making natural sources of pleasure less effective. This change in brain chemistry can make it extremely challenging for individuals to control their opioid use. In addition, genetics play a significant role in how individuals respond to opioids, with some people being more predisposed to addiction due to their genetic makeup. Environmental factors such as stress, trauma, and exposure to drugs at an early age also contribute to the risk of developing an addiction.
5. It is OK to Use Words Like Junkies, Addicts, Users
When we talk about drug addiction and the people struggling with the disease, the words we use to describe them are critical. Using terms such as “junkie,” “addict,” and “user,” and phrases like “needs to get clean” are negative. These words contribute to the stigma surrounding individuals with the disease of addiction and often create barriers to them getting the help they need. According to an article in Yale Medicine, research shows when people are labeled as “substance users,” they are more likely to be seen as threats or blamed for their condition. On the other hand, positive language such as referring to them as having a “substance use disorder” makes other people more likely to view them as individuals in need of support.
6. Identifying a Person with a Drug Addiction Is Simple
It is a common assumption that someone addicted to opioids will exhibit clear signs or behaviors that make their condition easy to identify. However, opioid addiction is often hidden and can be challenging to detect, even by those close to the individual. People struggling with opioid addiction may continue to go to work, take care of their families, and fulfill social obligations without outwardly showing signs of drug use. They might excel in their careers, maintain healthy relationships, and appear physically well, all while battling addiction in private.
Opioid addiction spans all demographics. People of any age, race, gender, or socioeconomic background can fall prey to this condition. Wealthy individuals, professionals, students, parents, and retirees can all experience opioid addiction, making it a universal issue that does not discriminate.
7. Ceasing Opioid Use Is Simple
Quitting opioids is often much harder than people think. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and may include nausea, anxiety, and muscle pain. These symptoms can make the idea of stopping use seem overwhelming and unattainable. The physical and psychological aspects of withdrawal create a barrier that many individuals find difficult to overcome on their own.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one battles substance addiction, help is available. The dedicated professionals at Anabranch Recovery Center, in Terre Haute, Indiana, can help you regain control of your life. Contact us today.
