REPORT: OPIOIDS AND YOUNG ADULTS
Introduction
In many instances, young people use prescription drugs without prescription from physicians; this is prescription drug abuse. National surveys reveal that prescription drugs used in the treatment of ADHD, pain and anxiety are abused by young adults. The commonly abused prescription drugs include; Central Nervous System depressants, opioids and stimulants. Opioids are drugs prescribed for pain treatment. This report presents an analysis of opioids and their effects on young adults within my community. In order to do this, it explored description, prevalence statistics, effects and possible solutions to use.
Opioids are medications used in pain relief; they reduce the intense pain signals from reaching the brain. They have an effect on brain areas controlling emotions thus reduces the effects of painful stimuli. Some of the most common opioids include; Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin, Percocet (oxycodone), Kadina, Avinza (morphine) and codeine among others. Hydrocodone helps in coping with a wide variety of pain conditions such as dental and injury-related pain. Morphine is administered before and after surgical procedures to reduce recovery pain. Codeine helps in dealing with mild pain (NIHCE, 2007).
Statistics
The use of opioids increased in the last decade. Since the introduction of liberal laws governing the prescription and use of opioids, their use escalates; a 2010 national survey of drug use shows an estimates 22.6 million Americans above the age of 12 engage in illicit drug use. 17.3% of them engage in opioid use and acquire drugs without prescriptions. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (2013), death cases in relation to overdose of opioids were higher than those related to cocaine and heroin combined; this was in 2007.
Prevalence among Youths
Prescription opioids are painkillers commonly misused by youths in the community. Though they are efficient in the treatment of severe pain, their ability to produce a state of euphoria makes them prone to misuse (Center for Addiction and Mental Health, 2012). Young adults acquired opioids over-the-counter or through doctors/dentists. Examples of over-the-counter opioids include; Tylenon1 and 222s. Prescription opioids include; Tylenol 2, 3 and 4, Demerol, OxyNEO, Delaudi, Talwin and Darvon. Opioids use among youths is a concern that needs immediate intervention. Many parents and society members do not realize the extent of opioid use and effects involved. Studies in recent years reveal that the use of non-medical opioids rose to number three on the list of abused drugs; third to alcohol and marijuana. Youths as young as those in grade 7 and 8 engage in its consumption; they believe it is safer than the use of street drugs. It is a false perception that must be dealt with. For instance, OxyCotin is an oral opioid used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain; the treatment occurs through a slow and steady release of the opioid. Youths who abuse it, on the other hand, snort or inject it; this increases their risk of acquiring serious complications and overdose; their desire for gratifying experiences overlooks the risks involved.
Youth engage in the drug’s consumption for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, they lack an understanding of the risks involved in taking drugs wrongly. They assume that since the drugs come from pharmaceutical facilities, they are safe for use; the fact that they are from physicians makes them assume the drugs are safer than street drugs. Subsequently, street drugs are hard to get thus the youths opt for the easily available opioids. They also lack strategies on coping with stress and negative feelings. Thus, instead of solving their problems, they run from them through drug consumption.
Effects of opioids on young adults
- Addiction
Opioids are addictive substances. Physical dependence occurs when the person’s body gets used to the drug over time. He/she develops tolerance to some of its effects. It raises a need to consume more opioids in order to achieve the desired feeling. An increase in the amount increases the risk of overdose. Physical dependence differs from addiction according to NIDA (2013). Physical dependence arises from normal adaptations to chronic exposure, whereas, an addiction is an advanced stage associated with compulsive drug seeking and use. Addiction shows a disregard for the devastating consequences; at the dependence stage, it is hard to evaluate if the person is developing a drug problem.
- Withdrawal
Youth dependent on opioids experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug use stops. According to NIDA (2013), a person who is physically dependent on opioids experiences the symptoms when the drug abruptly reduces or stops. The symptoms range from mild to severe depending on the drug. Some of them include; muscle and bone pain, restlessness, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea and cold flashes. The experience after leads to feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts; this leads to a cycle of drug consumption increasing the risks of overdose and death (CAMH, 2012). Withdrawal symptoms can be managed medically or avoided through a slow drug taper (NIDA, 2012).
- Overdose risks
Opioids are administered in small amounts over a long period of time; this occurs in the treatment of pain to ensure the body system is not overdosed. Opioid products such as MS Contin are designed to provide pain relieving medication slowly; this lasts for hours. Youth, however, administer them wrongly; they introduce the drugs into their body systems through snorting and injections. The drugs thus enter the body system all at once and increase the risk of overdosing. The overdose results in slow breathing, which causes death if not dealt with. The situation worsens when youth combine the drug with alcohol and other drugs. An attempt to curb the situation saw the introduction of OxyNEO; this is a new over-the-counter drug that is difficult to crush.
- Impaired decision-making
The use of opioids influences brain functioning; this impairs the decision-making process. It leaves the person unable to interpret situations and make objective decisions. They make risky choices that result in injuries, death, irresponsible sexual behavior, vandalism, theft and suicide attempts. The person loses a grip on reality and does not realize the consequences of his/her actions until the effects of the drug wear off.
Adverse effects of Opioids
The opioids influence body processes by attaching to some proteins; these are opioid receptors found in the spinal cord, brain, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and other body organs. Once the drugs attach to the receptors, they reduce pain perception. However, they also result in feelings of nausea, drowsiness, mental confusion, constipation and depression respiration (Benyamin et al. 2008). Some people experience euphoric consequences in relation to the medications, due to their influence on the brain part concerned with reward.
- Hydrocodone
Also known as acetaminophen, this is a commonly prescribed drug in America; young adults engage in its use in large numbers. The medication helps in relieving acute and chronic pain; it is efficient as an opioid analgesic and antitussive. The user may have adverse reactions to the drug including; nausea, dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness and euphoria. In rare cases, the person has mood disturbance and respiratory depression. Just like other opioids, constant use of hydrocodone results in psychological and physical dependence; in some cases, the patients experience hearing loss. Experts reveal that genetic polymorphism of drug metabolizing enzymes CYP3D4 or CYP2D6 makes some people vulnerable to the drug’s adverse reactions.
- OROS Hydromorphone
It is a controlled-release formulation used in the delivery of consistent levels of hydromorphone over 24 hours (Benyamin et al. 2008). Through an active osmotic system, it maintains steady and rapid state of concentration. A study explored the safety and efficacy of OROS hydromorphone in patients experiencing moderate and chronic back pain. Those who took part in the study exhibited symptoms such as nausea, constipation, vomiting, headache and somnolence. Common complications occur in the nervous and gastrointestinal systems
- Oxymorphone
It is an opioid used in the treatment of chronic and acute pain (Benyamin et al. 2008). In the analysis of its pharmacology, efficacy, safety and use, it showed that the primary adverse effects include vomiting, nausea, pruritus, constipation and pyrexia. There is also a risk in using oxymorphone alongside CNS depressants, general anesthetics, sedatives, antidepressants, phenothiazines and hypnotics. There are also cases of confusion, respiratory depression, disorientation, seizures and apnea. The risk of respiratory depression occurs in patients with hypercapnia and hypoxia.
- Oxycodone CR
It is a long-acting opioid used in the treatment of non-cancer pain. During a three year study, its adverse effects included; nausea, constipation, vomiting, depression, and somnolence. Cases of chest pain also occurred in patients with cardiac risk factors (Benyamin et al. 2008).
Recommendations
The general and specific effects of opioids on the body depict a need for solutions to the rising problem. Through education and controlled access, the misuse of opioids can be reduced and eventually eliminated among young adults. Medical practitioners, community members and the youth must work together in making it possible (CAMH, 2012).
First and foremost, there should be a clear and open communication process on the effects of opioids. The youth and members of the society should be made aware of the risks involved. The knowledge prevents them from endangering their health and mental wellbeing through unnecessary drug use. They are also able to advice others on the risks. And how to stop addiction and dependence cases.
Parents should negotiate clear rules with their children on the use of prescription opioids. It provides guidance on how to avoid misuse and combination with drugs like alcohol. It also discourages the sharing of medication which constituted drug abuse.
In handling pain, people should be encouraged to explore alternatives to opioids; there are other ways in coping with pain. One should consult a practicing physician about alternative treatment methods; they include ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Fraser Health, 2013). If there is a need for opioids, the weak ones should be used.Opioids and other drugs should be locked away safely; this prevents people from taking the drugs prescribed for another person’s medical needs. They should also be taken according to the prescribed instructions (CAMH, 2012).
Conclusion
Drug deaths resulting from opioids are on the increase; this is a serious issue. There is a need for efficient patient compliance with relevant medical treatment programs; this is likely to prevent their life-threatening effects on the lives of young people. Evidence shows that opioid medications are efficient in the treatment of a variety of chronic pain conditions. When taken as prescribed, opioids manage pain safely and efficiently. However, just like many pharmaceutical-based thetherapies, the use of opioids has complications and side effects. The use of opioid medications continues rising among the young adults in America and worldwide; this occurs despite the evident rise adverse effects and death. Apart from the numerous prescriptions, some people acquire the drugs without prescriptions. It raises a need for proper prescription practices.
Reference
Benyamin, R. Trescot, A. M. Data, S. Buenaventura, R. Adlaka, R. Sehgal, N. Glaser, S. E. and Vallejo, R. (2008). Opioid Complication and Side Effects. Pain Physician 2008: Opioid Special Issue, Retrieved December 2, 2013 from http://www.painphysicianjournal.com/2008/april/2008;11;S105-S120.pdf
Center for Addiction Mental Health (2012). Opioids, Retrieved December 2, 2013 from http://www.knowledgex.camh.net/amhspecialists/resources_families/Documents/Youtha ndMisuse%20E.pdf
Fraser Health (2013). Principles of Opioid Management, Retrieved December 2, 2013 from http://www.fraserhealth.ca/media/16FHSymptomGuidelinesOpioid.pdf
National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (2007). Drug Misuse: Opioid detoxification. National Collaboration Center for Mental Health, Retrieved December 2, 2013 from http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/11813/35997/35997/35997.pdf
National Institute on Drug Abuse (2013). Prescription Drugs; Abuse and addiction. Research Report Series, Retrieved December 2, 2013 from http://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/rrprescription.pdf
