What Are Opioid Overdose Signs?

What Are Opioid Overdose Signs? On average, 130 Americans die from an opioid overdose every day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers opioid overdose an epidemic in the United States, estimating it responsible for nearly 68 percent of 70,000 drug-related deaths in 2017. Understanding the effects of opioids can prevent opioid overdose, and knowing the opioid overdose signs can save lives. What Are Opioids? Opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant. Opioid drugs reduce pain by binding to opioid receptors in your brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body, creating morphine-like effects. The CDC identifies these opioids as the most commonly used: Prescription Opioids. Prescription opioids, such as Oxytocin and Vicodin, are prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain but can have serious risks and side effects. Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic pain reliever much stronger than other opioids (50-100 times more potent than morphine) and is approved for treating severe pain, like cancer pain. In several states, there’s been an increase in illegally produced and distributed fentanyl. Heroin. Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive opioid synthesized from morphine. Heroin use has increased sharply across the United States, with the greatest increases occurring among demographic groups with previously low rates of use: women, the privately insured, and individuals with higher incomes. What Happens During an Opioid ...
Source: Cliffside Malibu - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Addiction Heroin Painkiller Substance Abuse drug overdose opiate opiate abuse opiate addiction opiates opioid opioids Source Type: blogs