What is a Opioid?
With so much discussion in the media everybody is asking, what is a opioid? Opioids are a type of substance people use for pain relief. However, it may surprise you that there is a long list of drugs that fall into the Opioid category. This includes illegal and prescription drugs.
Illegal Opioids
- Heroin
Prescription Opioids
- OxyContin
- Percocet
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
Opioids have properties that allow the body to relieve pain naturally. However, they are highly addictive if not properly monitored. The misuse of opioids has become a major issue with individuals taking the drug to get a high.
The Opioid Epidemic
The addiction is a epidemic. It is spreading across the US like wildfire and is reaching new heights. According to the National institute on Drug Abuse, over 115 people die from opioid overdoses each day.
Don’t understand what drugs are classified as opioid’s? Please educate yourself here.
To make matters worse, there are significant problems amongst the youth in America. In fact, 1-in-10 high school students report the inappropriate use of prescription drugs
The issue is serious that the trump administration is finalizing a plan focused on prevention, treatment and enforcement. It will include the death penalty for dealers. However, congress is likely to raise questions on the plan as it is projected to cost billions more than originally planned.
Addiction Help Today certainly hopes to see a plan put in place as the daily death figures continue to grow. The ease of access to opioids has also played a major role in its wide spread abuse. Statistics have shown that approximately 70% of abusers obtain the medication from friends and or family.
Beyond easy access to opioids and Benzos, popular music is a major influence for young teens in America. The following artists reference Oxy use regularly:
- Lil Uzi Vert
- Lil Wayne
- ScHoolboy Q
- Rae Sremmurd
- Migos
All refer to drugs as as cool and fun. No wonder kids are trying Xanax, codeine and other types opioids/benzos. It doesn’t stop there, the hashtag #xanax boasts over 300,000 posts on Instagram and #xanaxbars having over 50,000 posts.
If you know of someone struggling with addiction or are noticing a major change in behavior, see the Addiction Symptoms and Effects section.
What is a Benzo?
Now that you have an answer to: what is a opioid, let’s move on to the explanation for benzos.
The full name is benzodiazepine which has 15 FDA approved type medications. These drugs have properties which include muscle-relaxants, hypnotics and anticonvulsants. They are prescribed to treat:
- Insomnia
- Social anxiety
- Alcohol Withdrawal
- Panic Disorder
Benzos are not considered a long-term solution for many of the issues. They are prescribed for short-term solutions.
The most common types of Benzos are Xanax (Alprazolam). Xanax is prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Other types of Benzos include:
- Ativan (Lorazepam) – used to treat insomnia and or anxiety coupled with depression
- Versed (Midazolam) – generally used before surgery to prevent anxiety and make the patient sleepy
- Halcion (Triazolam) – to treat insomnia
- Doral (Quazepam) – to treat insomnia
- Dalmane (Flurazepam) – to treat insomnia
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Carter Saxon
Carter Saxon is a guest writer for Addiction Help Today .