Opioids, and other controlled substances, are medications and chemicals that are under strict governmental control as they are associated with a high risk for abuse or addiction. Controlled substances can be taken for medicinal purposes only when prescribed by doctors.

Also called narcotics, opioids are controlled medications that are used to treat severe and chronic pain. These medications work by blocking pain receptors in the brain and releasing high levels of a chemical substance called Dopamine, which helps patients to relax and get relief from the pain. When high levels of Dopamine are released, it causes increased feelings of happiness and relaxation. 

When opioids are taken exactly as prescribed by doctors, they are very effective at reducing and relieving pain. When opioids are taken in excess, the potential for increased risk can lead to one or all of the following:

Tolerance: The person requires increased amounts of medication and may still feel less relief

Dependence: The person feels an increasing need for the medication and suffers physical and/or physiological withdrawal symptoms without it

Addiction: The brain is essentially rewired. The person has an obsessive compulsion to use the drug despite any negative outcomes

Excessive use of opioids and controlled substances can lead to a wide range of side effects. 

  • Nausea
  • Sedation
  • Constipation
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Brain damage
  • Death:

The rise in deaths related to opioid addiction has become a national crisis, and health epidemic. To prevent health complications and even fatality, it is essential to follow safe practices of storage and consumption of controlled substances as directed by doctors and/or pharmacists. Therefore, it is important to consider the risks and benefits of opioids and other controlled substances before committing to them. 

DO… DON’T…
Keep medication in supervised places and/or in locked cabinets Keep medication where children or pets can easily reach them
Keep medication in their original containers with the original labels Share or use someone else’s medication
Take medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor Increase medication dosage or change the schedule unless directed by your doctor
Store medication in a cool, dry environment. Ask your pharmacist if the medication needs special storage conditions Dispose unused or expired medication without consulting your pharmacist or doctor
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may interact with food and any possible side-effects Ignore any sign of discomfort or side-effects (common or uncommon) and don’t reach out to your doctor. 

In short, opioids can be a treatment that drastically improves your quality of life, or completely destroys it. In small doses prescribed by a competent doctor, opioids can help you bear the most painful parts of medical procedures and recovery. Following your opioid prescription instructions exactly is essential in avoiding addiction. If you start to feel a dependence, contact your doctor immediately. Keep an eye on your medication, and only share where they are stored with trusted loved ones. The long-term consequences of excessive opioid use certainly outweigh the short-term elation you may feel from controlled substances misuse.

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