Common Misconceptions About Opioid Addiction

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Common Misconceptions About Opioid Addiction
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Opioids are common and effective drugs that
doctors prescribe to treat chronic body pain.
Most people are of the belief that the opioid
epidemic is a distant issue that wont hit home,
but opioid abuse affects millions of Americans
and it can take its toll on friends and families
around those suffering from addiction.
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It is important to debunk the myths about this
drug, since such common misconceptions are what
prevent many people from getting help. People of
all ages who have a substance addiction disorder,
must seek addiction counseling, New York City to
prevent serious mental and physical diseases,
disorders and conditions due to excessive,
long-term exposure to drugs.
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Myth- Medicine prescribed by doctor cannot be
addictive
Fact- There isnt anything inherently wrong about
a doctor prescribing a drug for their patients.
The same applies for opioid pain medications,
which doctor prescribe for managing acute pain.
Some people continue taking the medication for
prolonged periods became dependent on the drug.
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Myth- Addicted patients are easy to recognize
Fact- Movies and television shows have made us
believe that it is easy to spot someone with an
addiction (opioid, alcohol, or otherwise). It is
far from true, anyone can be addicted to opioids.
There is no specific type of person who may have
an addiction.
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Myth- Endure the pain is safer than to risk
addiction
Fact- It isnt logical to bear the pain by
avoiding treatment .Its advised to talk to your
doctor if youre in pain and worried about the
risk of addiction with taking certain medication.
The key to avoiding addiction is to understand
the risks of opioids, and that it is possible to
use them while avoiding addiction. Choosing to
avoid a medication out of fear of addiction is no
way out.
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Myth- People only become addicted, having a
family history
Fact- Theres no denying that having a family
history of substance abuse does increase the
risk, but in no way does it have to be present
for an addiction to occur. An individual who has
no previous history of addiction is as vulnerable
to becoming addicted to opioids as someone with a
family history.
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Reactions to opioids vary between individuals as
does how each person perceives pain, since some
people are relieved of pain with just minimal
doses, while others require stronger and more
frequent doses. No matter which end of the
spectrum you fall in, you can become dependent on
an opioid.
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