Can Opiates Be Taken As Prescribed Without Misuse?
Many men and women who are prescribed opiates for legitimate pain-related issues began to develop physical and psychological dependence.
The US has recently seen a significant and lasting increase in rates of opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose-related death. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse in the year 2019, there were roughly 50,000 opioid-related overdose deaths throughout the US. These overdose deaths were caused by prescription painkillers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. What has recently become known as a nationwide opioid epidemic is largely fueled by prescription painkillers?
In the mid-1990s, pharmaceutical companies began manufacturing and selling opioid narcotics like hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, and many other medications, assuring medical professionals that they were safe to use. It was soon discovered that these medications were not only unsafe but also highly addictive.
Opiates Are VERY Addictive and Easy to Misuse
Many men and women who are prescribed opiates for legitimate pain-related issues began to develop physical and psychological dependencies or addictions. Eventually, many of these people transitioned to heroin which could be found far more easily and which was generally more cost-effective. Because prescription opiates largely fueled what has become known as an epidemic, many people believe that these medications are all bad and that they can never be used safely.
While it is true that many prescription opiates can lead to physical and psychological dependence even when taken exactly as prescribed, it is also true that you can take a prescription opiate responsibly and as intended. However, if you have previously been diagnosed with an opioid abuse disorder of any type, it is never a good idea to take a prescription opiate – even if you feel you legitimately need it.
Taking Opiates as Prescribed is Not Always Easy
It is possible to take an opiate exactly as prescribed. However, it is important to understand that taking it as prescribed doesn’t necessarily mean continuing to take it even if you start to feel like tolerance is building. If you feel like you are taking a prescription opiate in the same dosage that you were prescribed but you are not experiencing the same results, you must contact your healthcare professional immediately and let them know that you feel like you might be developing tolerance. It is also important to let your health care professional know if you have been experiencing any adverse side effects.
Taking opiates as prescribed means taking the dose that is recommended and alerting your prescribing physician as soon as something feels a little bit off. The truth of the matter is that you can take opiates as prescribed, but if you are in addiction recovery for any type of alcohol abuse disorder or drug addiction, it is generally a good idea to avoid opiate narcotics altogether.
Can I Take Opiate Medication if I’m in Recovery?
You can technically take an opiate medication while you are in recovery if you are prescribing a physician suggest that you do so, however, most people who are in recovery refuse these medications and instead request a safe and non-addictive alternative. For example, if you undergo some kind of oral surgery or other minor surgical procedure and your doctor prescribes you a short-term course of hydrocodone, you can opt-out of this prescription and instead request something non-habit forming like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. whether or not you accept a prescription for an opiate painkiller depends heavily on how comfortable you are in your recovery.
It also depends on what your sponsor says, and it is generally a good idea for you to share your hang-ups in your homegroup as well. Simply get the advice of others, and listen to this advice if you feel like it will genuinely serve you in the long run. It might be tempting to accept a prescription for an opiate, especially if you’re prescribing physician doesn’t know that you have a history of addiction recovery. But if you go in for a small surgical procedure or another pain related issue, and you tell your doctor that you are in recovery, there is a good chance that he or she will not prescribe you an opiate in the first place
Evoke Waltham – Opiate Addiction Help
At Evoke Waltham we provide comprehensive treatment services when and where you need them. To learn more about the services we provide, contact us today. We have opioid addiction specific treatment plans that address the underlying issues that lead to opiate abuse and addiction.
