Over the past few decades, the opioid epidemic has been taking the United States by storm. According to the CDC, 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. So how do we stop this crisis or at least minimize it?
Opioids 101
Opioids are a class of highly addictive drugs naturally derived from the poppy plant. They work in the brain to produce a pain-relieving effect in addition to happy, relaxed, and euphoric feelings. The feel good “high” from opioids could also be accompanied by serious symptoms such as confusion, constipation, drowsiness, and slowed breathing, which can lead to death.
The most common prescription opioids aka “painkillers” include the following:
- Codeine
- Fentanyl (50–100x stronger than morphine)
- Morphine
- Oxycontin
- Percocet
- Vicodin
Opioids & Dentistry
Research shows that many people’s first opioid experience stems from dental treatments such as tooth extractions. According to a segment recently aired on CBS, about five million Americans get their wisdom teeth removed each year. These individuals are typically young adults ages 17-21.
US News references a study highlighting dentists as are one of the most frequent prescribers of opioids in the United States, just below family practitioners. Due to these findings, dentists have been encouraged to offer alternative pain relief such as the use of acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
In recent years, the ADA has been cracking down on opioid regulations, promoting patient education on the dangers of addition and a mandatory seven-day maximum when opioids prescriptions are absolutely necessary. The ADA notes, after updating guidelines advising against prescribing opioids, dentists wrote fewer than half a million prescriptions in 2017 compared to five years earlier, but numbers are still high with 18.1 million scripts filled.
Addiction
For some people, all it takes is a few doses of an opioid to get hooked, but typically, an addiction forms after prolonged use of a drug. Due to the rise of opioid abuse, “opioid use disorder” is an actual medical condition for those who cannot abstain from the drug and allow it to interfere with their daily life.
Individuals can develop a physical dependence on opioids over time. The physiological effects of the drug are a risk for continued use and the incorporation of street drugs like heroin. Below are signs and symptoms of an opioid addiction.
- Changes in sleep habits
- Dishonesty
- Drowsiness
- Financial troubles
- Flu-like symptoms
- Frequent cravings
- Inability to stop using
- Isolation
- Poor hygiene
- Weight loss
Treatment
Admitting you have an addition problem is step one to seeking help. Medical professionals can provide an array of treatments for opioid addiction including therapy and medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. Attending a support group for accountability is also a significant part of recovery.
At Berger Dental, we strive to educate our patients on the dangers of opioid addiction and provide safer options for pain relief. If you have any questions or concerns regarding opioid use, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.