Drug Addiction: How Opioids Like Fentanyl Work
Nucleus Medical Media・2 minutes read
Opioids are powerful drugs used to manage severe pain, but misuse can lead to tolerance, dependence, addiction, and potentially fatal overdose, resulting in over 100 deaths daily in the US. It is crucial to seek help from a healthcare provider if assistance is needed for opioid use disorder.
Insights
- Misuse of opioids can lead to tolerance, dependence, addiction, and overdose, with potentially fatal consequences due to the drug's impact on pain perception and the central nervous system.
- Seeking help from a healthcare provider is crucial for managing opioid use disorder, as the effects of these drugs on the brain and body can have severe and life-threatening consequences if left untreated.
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Recent questions
What are opioids?
Opioids are drugs used for severe pain.
How do opioids work?
Opioids attach to brain receptors to reduce pain.
What are the risks of opioid misuse?
Opioid misuse can lead to addiction and overdose.
What are the symptoms of opioid overdose?
Overdose symptoms include confusion and slowed breathing.
What should I do if I need help with opioid use?
Consult a healthcare provider for assistance.
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Summary
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Risks of Opioid Misuse and Overdose
- Opioids are drugs used to manage severe pain, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, methadone, and heroin. They work by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain perception. However, misuse of opioids can lead to tolerance, dependence, addiction, and potentially fatal overdose.
- Opioid misuse can result in tolerance, where more of the drug is needed for pain relief, dependence causing withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, addiction characterized by an uncontrollable craving for the drug, and overdose with symptoms like confusion, unconsciousness, and slowed breathing, leading to over 100 deaths daily in the US. If assistance is needed for opioid use disorder, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
