Prescription opioids like Demerol, Vicodin, Codeine, Percocet, Morphine and Oxycontin are prescribed for severe pain in the US every day. When used appropriately, they can provide patients with relief. However, these narcotics are closely related to street drugs like heroin, and are highly addictive. The brief euphoria these prescription drugs can provide doesn’t last and–much like prescription anti-anxiety medications–a physical tolerance to the drugs builds rapidly in the body. Someone misusing the medication for a high will need increasing amounts, leading to increased physiological addiction and higher risk of bodily harm or death.
These are powerful medications, affecting neurological function, the respiratory system and the digestive track. The potential for dangerous drug interactions is very high–even combining them with certain over-the-counter medications or depressants like alcohol can be deadly. When used long term, and at higher doses, the risks only increase. Overdosing is common, as breathing can become very shallow and depressed, or may stop altogether.
Stopping these drugs cold turkey can be very difficult without medical supervision, as the body’s response to drug detox is usually severe. According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, the withdrawal can include uncontrollable leg movements, nausea, chills, severe insomnia, bone pain and diarhea. The physical unpleasantness and the emotional restlessness and depression of withdrawal can be detrimental to recovery, as the addict may go to any lengths to prevent them.
It’s important not to go through narcotic detox or withdrawal alone. Though it is never easy, drug rehabilitation centers can help.
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