Not a day goes by that we don’t hear something in the news that involves the abuse of drugs. Whether it is a crime spree with the perpetrator high on drugs or an accident caused by someone unable to drive safely while taking a prescription medication – the opioid epidemic has become a public health crisis with devastating consequences.
A couple of years ago when I broke my arm in a cycling accident I needed pain medication to get me through the rough times. I didn’t like the way I felt while taking the prescribed pain pills so worked hard to get off of them as quickly as possible. I was happy to get completely off of the pain medicine a few weeks after surgery and get back to my normal routine.
So, what exactly is an opioid? Opioids include powerful prescription pain medications and the illegal drug, heroin. The statistics show that 25% of patients prescribed opioids for pain misuse them. This misuse translates to 115 Americans who die each day from opioid overdose. Another eye-opening statistic is that 80% of heroin users first used prescription opioids.
Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in your body to relieve pain. Prescription opioids can be an important part of treatment but carry significant risks for addiction and overdose because of the addictive euphoria they create and the tolerance that occurs after repetitive dosing. There are effective treatment options for opioid dependence, yet only 10 percent of people who need such treatment receive it. Naloxone, also called Narcan or Evzio,(both registered trademark names) can completely reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and prevent death.
To avoid opioid misuse and overdose:
Do not take more medication than what is prescribed.
Do not take other people’s prescriptions.
Do not mix opioids with alcohol, antianxiety medications, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, and other opioids.
Be proactive in addressing pain. Experts suggest exploring various methods of alleviating pain, such as over-the-counter pain medications, exercise, or alternative therapies.
There are several signs to watch out for if you think someone might be experiencing an opioid overdose.
These include:
Shallow breathing
Gasping or choking for air
Pale skin
Blue lips and/or fingertips
Small, pinpoint pupils
Unconsciousness
Erin Yellend, a specialist with K-State Research & Extension, has written an excellent educational fact sheet titled, “The Opioid Crisis: What You Need to Know”. It covers all of the information I have shared today in great detail. You can download and print a copy by visiting the KSRE bookstore and typing in publication MF3404.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or [email protected]