Common Misconceptions About Opioid Addiction

1. Common Misconceptions About Opioid Addiction www.harlemeastlifeplan.com

2. 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 won’t hit home, but opioid abuse affects millions of Americans and it can take its toll on friends and families around those suffering from addiction.

3. 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.

4. Myth-Medicine prescribed by doctor cannot be addictive Fact-There isn’t 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.

5. 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.

6. Myth- Endure the pain is safer than to risk addiction Fact-It isn’t logical to bear the pain by avoiding treatment .It’s advised to talk to your doctor if you’re 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.

7. Myth- People only become addicted, having a family history Fact-There’s 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.

8. 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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