Opioids are narcotic pain relievers that require a prescription from a medical professional. When taken as prescribed for short periods of time under the care of a medical professional, opioids can be a safe and effective pain management tool. Unfortunately, opioid abuse is a growing and dangerous problem in America, as they can also act as a gateway into the abuse of other drugs like heroin.
Opioids work by making your brain feel like your pain is lessening. They also make your body release a hormone called dopamine. Dopamine causes you to feel pleasure, which could lead to addiction. Abusing opioids is extremely dangerous. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, even one large, misused dose can cause “severe respiratory depression and death.” The American Dental Association is working with the American Medical Association Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse and the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry to help educate dentists and physicians on safe prescribing of opioids and help stop this trend of addiction.
In March 2016, the Food and Drug Administration announced major label changes for all prescription opioids to warn patients about the risks of misusing and abusing these drugs. That same month, Massachusetts became the first state to limit first-time opioid prescriptions for adults and minors to only seven days.
If you are prescribed an opioid, ask your dentist or pharmacist the following questions before filling the prescription: 1. What is the goal of this prescription? 2. When and how should I take these? 3. How long should I take these drugs? 4. Are there any risks for me from this medication? 5. What do I do with any extra medication?
After picking up your prescription, take it according to directions. Store it safely out of sight and out of reach from children in a locked cabinet. Put the medication back immediately after taking any dose.
You play an important role in keeping prescription medications from becoming a source of abuse in your household and in the community. Keep your narcotic pain medication in a locked cabinet. Dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications safely and immediately to reduce the risk of another person taking these drugs for nonmedical reasons. Follow these guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy:
Click on the image below to download these printable disposal do's and don'ts, and keep a copy in your medicine cabinet:
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, up to 23 percent of prescribed doses are used for nonmedical reasons. For example, a friend or family member who may take extra pills left from someone else’s prescription.
Unfortunately, prescription medications have become a leading source of drug abuse among teens and young adults. These medications are often obtained from a friend or family member who had received a prescription for a legitimate purpose. Parents are sometimes fooled into handing over these drugs to treat an apparent symptom of physical distress or pain. More often, they are stolen from the medicine cabinet or lifted from the trash.
Making your loved ones aware of how important it is to use opioids as prescribed and how to safely dispose of extra pills can help save lives.
