Opioid Basics
What is an opioid?
What is a class of drugs that includes prescription pain relievers and illegal drugs like heroin.
True or False: All opioids are safe when prescribed by a doctor.
False. Opioids carry risks of addiction, overdose, and other side effects. It's important for both patients and doctors to weigh the benefits and risks before using them.
What is one common sign of opioid addiction?
What is increased tolerance to the drug, cravings, neglecting responsibilities, and withdrawal symptoms.
What is a common short-term effect of opioid use?
What is pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness, and sedation, as well as slowed breathing and constipation.
What is the first step in treating opioid addiction? (In the recovery process where would you most likely go first?)
What is detoxification.
Name one prescription opioid commonly used for pain management.
What is Oxycodone.
True or False: Opioids can only lead to addiction if misused.
False. While misuse increases the risk of addiction, opioids can lead to dependence and addiction even when used as prescribed. Individual factors such as genetics, personal history, and the duration of use can also influence the risk.
Name a psychological symptom that may indicate opioid addiction.
What is mood swings, anxiety, agitation, depression, or changes in behavior.
Name one potential risk of opioid misuse.
What is respiratory depression, addiction, overdose, withdrawal, increased tolerance, health issues, legal consequences, relationship consequences.
Name one medication commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
What is methadone or buprenorphine.
What is the primary function of opioids in the body?
What is to interact with opioid receptors to reduce pain and produce feelings of euphoria.
Which of the following is a myth: "Opioids are not addictive if they are used for pain relief" or "Opioids can be addictive regardless of their use"?
"Opioids are not addictive if they are used for pain relief" is a myth.
What behavioral change might suggest someone is addicted to opioids?
What is lying, hiding drug use, significant decline in responsibilities/interests. This could manifest as neglecting work, school, or personal relationships, or engaging in secretive or risky behaviors to obtain the drug.
What long-term effect can opioid addiction have on mental health?
What is opioid addiction can lead to long-term effects on mental health, such as persistent depression and anxiety. Chronic use can alter brain chemistry, impacting mood regulation and overall emotional well-being. Additionally, individuals may experience cognitive impairments, including difficulties with memory and decision-making.
What role does counseling play in addiction recovery?
What is it helps individuals identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and build a supportive network.
What is the difference between prescription opioids and illicit opioids?
What is prescription opioids are legally prescribed for pain management, while illicit opioids, like heroin, are illegal and often used recreationally.
True or False: Opioids can be safely stopped without medical supervision.
False. It’s not safe to stop opioids suddenly without medical supervision, especially if they have been used for a prolonged period. Doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms and other complications. It's important to work with a healthcare provider to taper off opioids safely.
What are withdrawal symptoms? Definition or example.
What is physical and mental symptoms experienced when reducing or stopping opioid use, such as cravings, nausea, and anxiety.
How can chronic opioid use affect the body physically?
What are respiratory issues, hormonal changes, constipation, weight changes, increased pain sensitivity, and immune system suppression.
What is one common barrier individuals face when seeking treatment for opioid addiction?
What is stigma or lack of access to healthcare.
How do opioids affect the brain's reward system?
What is they increase dopamine release, leading to feelings of pleasure and reinforcing the behavior of drug use.
What is one major misconception about the portrayal of opioids in the media?
Media often presents opioids as safe and effective without adequately addressing their addictive potential.
Describe the difference between physical dependence and addiction.
What is physical dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the use of a drug stops, while addiction involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences.
What is one way opioid use can impact social relationships?
What is isolation, neglect of responsibilities, changes in behavior, conflict, financial strain, and stigma.
Describe one effective community-based prevention strategy for opioid misuse.
What are safe disposal programs for unused medications or awareness campaigns about the risks of opioid use.