Dec 7, 2021
Why do People Take Opioids? How Do They Work? – Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC, Chiropractor
You must have heard of the term “opioids” and wonder what it means, why people take them, and how they work. Well, we shall be discussing all of that in this short piece.
What are opioids?
Opioids are a class of pain-relieving drugs that are naturally found in the opium poppy plant. These drugs work in the brain to produce several effects, including pain relief. Some opioids, such as fentanyl, are synthesized in a laboratory
Opioids can either be prescription drugs (referred to as pain killers) or they can be so-called street drugs, such as heroin.
Types of opioids
There are different types of opioids that have several names, including:
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Oxymorphone
These opioids are often prescribed by doctors in different strengths and administered in different forms, depending on the situation, and the level of pain. Heroin is illegal and highly addictive with no sanctioned medical use.
These opioids are sold under different brand names such as Percocet, Oxycontin, Vicodin, and Palladone.
Why do people take opioids?
Many prescription opioids block the pain signals between the brain and the body. And these drugs are typically used to treat severe pain. Opioids, in addition to controlling pain, can make some people feel happy, relaxed, or “high.”
Doctors often prescribe opioids for chronic headaches and backaches, especially for patients experiencing severe pain from cancer and those recovering from surgery.
Also, opioids are recommended for adults who have been hurt playing sports or who have been seriously injured in auto accidents, falls, or other incidents.
How do opioids work?
Opioids attach to nerve receptors (proteins) on nerve cells in the brain, gut, spinal cord, and other body parts. The drugs block pain messages sent from the body through the spinal cord to the brain. When these opioids travel through your blood and to receptors in your brain cells, the cells release signals that muffle pain perceptions and boost feelings of pleasure.
Opioids can be addictive, especially when they’re used to manage pain over a long period of time.
How are opioids taken?
Many opioids are taken as pills, while some are taken through injection or through an IV.
Other ways you can get opioids include:
- Nasal spray
- Skin patch
- Shot into a muscle
- Implanted pump
- Shot into the space around the spinal cord
- Suppository
However, how you take them depends on the situation you’re trying to tackle.
Most times, opioids are used under close supervision by a physician. Medical Doctors (Physician anesthesiologists) who specialize in pain management have good training in prescribing opioid and non-opioid medications.
The effects of opioids can be either short-lasting or long-lasting. The short-lasting opioids often work alone or in combination with other types of pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can start feeling relief from 15 to 30 minutes, and the effect should last for 3 to 4 hours.
You may get the much-needed relief from opioids, but the risks and side effects of these drugs are of major concern. At low doses, opioids may cause you to feel sleepy, and at higher doses, you may suffer reduced heart function and slow breathing, which can lead to death. Other negative effects include addition, loss of consciousness, and more.
However, you can achieve this pain relief using natural holistic measures. Chiropractic is a proven method to manage pain in a safe and effective way.
You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office at Elizabeth City, NC, to learn more about how chiropractic care is a safer treatment option for pain and other health ailments.