Opioids−What You Need to Know

By now you may know that opioids are a large class of drugs, which run the gamut from prescription pain medications to illicit forms, including:

• Codeine
• Fentanyl
• Heroin
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone

Once ingested, these drugs bind to specific opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body to block pain signals and produce feelings of relaxation and pleasure. Because they act on brain regions involved in reward and breathing, opioids carry a high risk of addiction (opioid use disorder) as well as fatal overdose due to slowed or stopped breathing.

Opiate drugs are typically prescribed for moderate-to-severe acute or chronic pain. Acute pain is short-term, sharp, or intense which serves as a warning function for a specific injury or illness, disappearing when the body heals. Conversely, chronic pain is long-lasting, often more than 3 to 6 months, persisting beyond normal healing times, and often serving no protective function.

You may have guessed the problem already: these highly addictive drugs are routinely prescribed not only for short-term acute pain, but also for long-term chronic pain, even though prolonged usage that can make addiction virtually inevitable. How is it medically ethical to set patients up for potential addiction without at least suggesting safe, natural solutions?

Let’s be clear, those seeking safe, non-addictive relief from both acute and chronic pain do have options. It’s worth trying various remedies as natural options may vary in their efficacy depending on the individual. Check out Safe, Natural Remedies for Chronic Pain and Cannabis Medicine for Chronic Pain.