Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and illegal drugs like heroin.
What are opioids?
Common prescription opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine.
What are common prescription opioids?
Risks of opioid use include addiction, overdose, respiratory depression, constipation, and physical dependence.
What are the risks associated with opioid use?
Opioid addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.
What is opioid addiction?
Opioid withdrawal is a set of symptoms that occur when a person stops using opioids after becoming physically dependent.
The opioid overdose crisis refers to the widespread use and misuse of opioids, leading to a significant number of overdose deaths.
What is the opioid overdose crisis?
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse opioid overdose by rapidly binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioids.
What is naloxone?
Long-term effects of opioid use may include tolerance, physical dependence, increased risk of chronic pain, and changes in brain structure and function.
What are the long-term effects of opioid use?
Alternatives to opioids for pain management include non-opioid medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
What are some alternatives to opioids for pain management?
Safe opioid prescribing guidelines include conducting a thorough assessment of the patient's pain, prescribing the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible, and monitoring for signs of misuse or addiction.
What are the guidelines for safe opioid prescribing?
Risk factors for opioid addiction include a personal or family history of substance abuse, mental health disorders, childhood trauma, and genetic predisposition.
What are some risk factors for opioid addiction?
If you suspect someone is overdosing on opioids, call emergency services immediately, administer naloxone if available, and stay with the person until help arrives.
What should I do if I suspect someone is overdosing on opioids?
Misusing opioids can have legal consequences, including arrest, criminal charges, and incarceration, especially if opioids are obtained illegally or used without a prescription.
What are the legal implications of opioid misuse?
This natural pain-relieving substance is derived from the opium poppy plant.
What is morphine?
This synthetic opioid, known for its high potency, is often used in severe pain management.
What is fentanyl?
This opioid is commonly prescribed for moderate pain and is often combined with acetaminophen.
What is hydrocodone?
This opioid pain medication is known by the brand name OxyContin.
What is oxycodone?
This synthetic opioid is used for both pain relief and treatment of opioid dependence.
What is hydromorphone?
This type of doctor specializes in pain management, often prescribing opioids for chronic pain.
What is a pain specialist?
This term describes the state where higher doses of opioids are required to achieve the same effect.
What is tolerance?
This popular stimulant, found in coffee and tea, helps people stay awake and alert.
What is caffeine?
This medication, commonly known by the brand name Advil, is an NSAID used to reduce inflammation and pain.
What is ibuprofen?
This drug, used to treat bacterial infections, is often prescribed and known as an antibiotic.
What is penicillin?
This widely used medication, often referred to as "the pill," is a combination of synthetic hormones and is used for birth control.
What is oral contraceptive or birth control pill?
This term refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, often used for recreational and medicinal purposes.
What is Marijuana?