One of the most commonly cited reasons for visits to emergency rooms, urgent care, and physician’s offices is pain. When pain is related to a chronic condition, such as cancer, and cannot be treated by standard over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, physicians often prescribe opiate narcotics such as Vicodin or OxyContin.

More About Opiates

Learn More About Opiates

While most people who are prescribed these central nervous system depressant analgesics do not have a problem using the drugs for the intended duration, at the frequency prescribed, and in the manner it was prescribed, some people may be drawn to the feelings of overall wellbeing and euphoria caused by these drugs.

Opiate abuse, or prescription painkiller abuse, is the use of these narcotics for non-medical purposes in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor. This type of prescription pain killer abuse is becoming a major problem in the United States and worldwide. People who abuse prescription opiates run the risk of very serious health complications and increasing interpersonal problems, and may abuse these drugs by orally ingesting them, crushing them and snorting them, or liquefying the drug and injecting it into the vein or muscle. While no one goes to the doctor for pain relief with the idea of becoming an addict, people who abuse opiates can quickly develop a tolerance to the drugs, needing more and more to achieve the same blissful feelings. While addiction can slowly take over a person’s life, with the proper detox, rehab, therapies, and support groups, people addicted to prescription narcotics can successfully recover and go on to lead happy, productive, and sober lives.

Statistics

Statistics on Opiate Addiction

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) uncovered that, next to marijuana, the nonmedical usage of prescription painkillers is the second most common form of illegal drug use. In 2007, SAMSHA reported that 5.2 million individuals – 21% of people over the age of twelve – used a prescription painkiller for nonmedical purposes. The US DEA believes that estimate to be closer to 7 million individuals. In 2006, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reported approximately 324,000 emergency room visits that involved abuse of prescription painkillers.

What Causes Opiates Use?

Learn About the Causes and Risk Factors for Opiate Addiction

Addiction is a complex disease characterized by patterns of ongoing drug use despite the negative consequences it may have in a person’s life. It’s believed that addiction is not caused by a single factor, but rather a number of environmental, genetic, and physical factors along with the influence of risk factors. These include:

Genetic: People who have a first-degree relative who struggles with addiction or other mental disorders are at greater risk for developing an addiction. It’s worth noting that not all people who become addicts have a family history of addiction.

Physical: Chronic drug use leads to changes in the structure and functioning of the brain, which leads to physical dependence and cravings for the drug. It also causes withdrawal symptoms when the drug use stops or is cut back dramatically.

Environmental: People who are raised in an environment in which addiction was present are at greater risk for developing an addiction later in life. Additionally, those who begin to use drugs and alcohol at younger ages are at greater risk for becoming an addict later in life.

Risk Factors:

Male sex – men are twice as likely to develop problems with drugs and alcohol
Peer pressure
Co-occurring mental illness
Decreased family involvement
Loneliness

Signs of Opiates Abuse

Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Addiction

Symptoms of opiate addiction and abuse will vary immensely from person to person. Signs and symptoms will depend upon length of addiction, frequency of use, and the level of dependence upon the drugs.

Common symptoms of opiate addiction include:

Behavioral symptoms:

Frequent trips to the ER complaining about pain ailments
“Losing” prescriptions for opioids
Sudden financial problems
Borrowing or stealing narcotics from friends and family
Lying about amount of narcotics used
Hiding opiates in various places around the house, car, and office
Doctor shopping, or visiting a number of doctors to obtain more prescriptions for opiates
Compulsive use and abuse of opiates despite negative consequences
Slurred speech
Lowered inhibitions
Poor judgment
Risk-taking behaviors

Physical symptoms:

Constipation
Bloodshot eyes
Pupillary constriction
Sleepiness
Analgesia
Difficulties urinating
Constipation
Decreased respiratory rate
Withdrawal symptoms if drug is not available
Itching
Flushed skin
Liver disease
Jaundice
Coma
Death

Cognitive symptoms:

Confusion
Poor judgment
Decreased ability to pay attention
Short-term memory loss

Psychosocial symptoms:

Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
Elation
Relaxation
Anger
Addiction
Psychological dependence
Hallucinations
Delusions
Paranoia
Self-harm
Suicidal ideation

Effects of Opiates

The Effects of Opiate Addiction

The long-term effects of opiate abuse will vary based upon the length of time the person abuses opiates, route of administration, and frequency of use. Common effects of opiate abuse include:

Liver disease
Dehydration
Abscesses of the skin
Infection of cardiac valves
Pneumonia
Cirrhosis
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Increased respiratory infections
Anxiety
Irritability
Addiction
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Failed attempts to cut down on the drug use
Overdose
Seizures
Stroke
Heart attack
Coma
Death

Withdrawal & Overdose

Learn What Happens During Opiate Withdrawal & Overdose

An opiate overdose occurs when a person uses too many prescription opioids in a short period of time, or combines a number of drugs with opiates. Opiate overdose is an emergency and is responsible for more deaths in the United States than heroin and cocaine combined.

Common symptoms of opiate overdose include:

Decreased level of consciousness
Pinpoint pupils
Decreased heart rate
Decreased or slowed respiratory rate
Cyanosis of lips and nails
Muscle spasms
Seizures
Respiratory arrest
Cardiac arrest
Coma
Death

Withdrawal occurs when an individual has become physically dependent upon a substance and that substance is quickly reduced or discontinued. These symptoms can be highly unpleasant and dangerous, so it’s recommended that anyone who is addicted to opiates detox from the drugs under the supervision of medical personnel.

Common opiate withdrawal symptoms include:

Anxiety
Irritability
Strong drug cravings
Respiratory acceleration
Goosebumps
Lack of appetite
All-over body aches
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping
Enlarged pupils
Confusion
Tremors
Paranoia
Restlessness
Malaise
Seizures

Co-Occurring Disorders

Opiate Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders

Many people who are addicted to opiate narcotics are also struggling with dual-diagnosis – or the presence of substance abuse and another mental illness. The most common co-occurring mental illnesses include: