Josh Bressette
Commit to Save a Life, Inc.
Opioids
The epidemic of Opioid abuse has destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States. Many people have died from Opioid overdoses, and many more now suffer from debilitating addiction to drugs that they first used with a prescription to relieve pain. Opioid addiction is not a choice, a behavioral problem, a lack of willpower, or a moral failing. People with substance addiction may have made the initial choice to use, but they did not choose to become addicted.
An Epidemic |
4th Wave of opioids |
What are Opioids |
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Opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant and that work in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including the relief of pain with many of these drugs.
Opioids can be prescription medications often referred to as painkillers, or they can be so-called street drugs, such as heroin.
Many prescription opioids are used to block pain signals between the brain and the body and are typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. In addition to controlling pain, opioids can make some people feel relaxed, happy or “high,” and can be addictive. Additional side effects can include slowed breathing, constipation, nausea, confusion and drowsiness. -John Hopkins Medicine
Opioid drugs include:
Fentanyl, Opium, Heroin, Codeine, Morphine, Oxycodone, Methadone, Sufentanil, Tramadol,
Hydrocodone
Opioids can be prescription medications often referred to as painkillers, or they can be so-called street drugs, such as heroin.
Many prescription opioids are used to block pain signals between the brain and the body and are typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. In addition to controlling pain, opioids can make some people feel relaxed, happy or “high,” and can be addictive. Additional side effects can include slowed breathing, constipation, nausea, confusion and drowsiness. -John Hopkins Medicine
Opioid drugs include:
Fentanyl, Opium, Heroin, Codeine, Morphine, Oxycodone, Methadone, Sufentanil, Tramadol,
Hydrocodone
Signs of Opioid AddictionPhysical
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Signs of Opioid Use
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