Medical Use for Opioids: What You Need to Know

Chronic pain has been a matter of concern for numerous of people, in countries all across the world. This kind of the pain is normally said to be the pain which lasts more than three months. However, chronic pain is more common in adults. Unfortunately, chronic pain is experienced by all ages. Nearly fifty million people suffer from chronic pain. Some suffer from pain which is caused by accidents and/or by surgery.



The research and the surveys indicate that about seven million people cannot get relief from their pain without the use proper opioid medication. Still, only about five thousand doctors agree to use it as a prescription. This is due to the fact of negative publicity, improper knowledge about the opioids addiction and also because of the doctor’s reputation. The risk of scrutiny & loss of their license threatens doctors. There are times when individuals strictly find a doctor for opioid prescriptions. The tolerance that will develop over a period of time will be high. The higher the tolerance, doctors will still not recommend a proper dosage of the medicine.

There are some instances where the use of marijuana has been found to be useful for chronic pain treatment. It can easily work in tandem with the opioid medications. Researches have shown it is safer to use than other drugs. Recovery results will differ, depending on the certain individual & rehab center. Having a different perspective on treatment may also play a key factor to recovery. In one way or another, drug rehab is a wise decision. Keeping that in the mind, people are recommended to enter a rehab center for the best results.

What are the Side Effects of Using Opioids?

Opioids are one of the most abused medications in the US as they are widely prescribed and very addictive. Opiates consist of various substances like morphine and heroine. These are highly addictive drugs as they are derived from chemicals in the sap of opium poppy. Prescription opioids work exactly the same as natural opiates, such as drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.

Opiates are widely used in pain and cough management in case of severe conditions but there are some ill effects of opioids. In the United States, they are one of the most abused drugs.

Short Term Effects

The good thing about opiates is that they are very effective in pain management and they are very affordable. Morphine has been used for around a century but it is still used for pain.

Usually, opiates cause a high of some kind. The faster they act, the more intense high they can produce. Heroin causes a very deep high due to its quick action. It can keep you high for up to 15 to 30 minutes. On the other side, morphine lasts up to 4 to 6 hours. Here are the short term effects of opiates:

  • Pain relief
  • Feeling high
  • Sedation
  • Drowsiness

Side Effects of Opioids

Several opioids cause intense high and drug remain highly addictive, and often cause measurable symptoms of addiction within three days. The side effects of opiate overdose are varied, such as the following:

  • Lethargy
  • Drowsiness
  • Paranoia
  • Nausea
  • Respiratory problem

Due to the intense high produced by various opiates and brain, opioids remain very addictive and often cause symptoms of addiction within three days. Your irises can relax with opiates and create pinpoint or pinprick pupils. Due to the way opiates cut the reaction frequency, driving under its influence is often caused with harshly.

There are many options for rehabs: private facilities, & state sponsored facilities. Websites such as AmericanAddictionCenters.org provide you with multiple tools to find rehab centers near you, as well as a "state funded" treatment guide. For more immediate help you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline, which is available 24/7 365 days a year: SAMHSA.