Without question, opioid drugs represent one of the most important, celebrated conquests of medicine due to their tremendous effectiveness at relieving pain. First, we found and isolated natural opioids like morphine and codeine; and since the 1950s, several synthetic opioids have been introduced, including popular pain-killing drugs like hydrocodone (the active component of Vicodin®), oxycodone (Percocet®, OxyContin®), pethidine (Demerol®), fentanyl (Durogesic®), and others. Click here to find more how to buy 3-MMC for sale.
On the flip side, the veritable cornucopia of opiates has led to an exponential rise in the abuse of prescription painkillers along with a corresponding torrent of overdose deaths. In fact, the current trend of opiate abuse, dependence, and addiction is nothing short of an epidemic in the United States and elsewhere. Equally lamentable is the fact that, once dependent or addicted, getting off of opiates is notoriously difficult. As a result, many opiate addicts end up on extended opioid maintenance rather than getting clean, essentially trading one drug addiction for another. This was my experience for almost six years; more on that later.
Crush on opiates begins with dental work
pethidine, meripidine – mepergan fortisAs is surely the case with countless others, my own opiate odyssey began as a teen after my wisdom teeth were removed. At least, that’s the first time I can presently recall taking more pain medication than prescribed and thoroughly enjoying the experience. (Actually, that characterization barely begins to describe my early affection for opiates, which the addict in me felt sure represented the elixir for all my ills, from fear & inhibition to depression & sloth.) I can still remember the dark red Mepergan Fortis capsules I was prescribed by the dentist. Little did I know, my poppy pilgrimage would carry on for decades and end in misery with an extended, miserable buprenorphine weaning.
From curious to klepto: Exploring medicine cabinets
I soon began a very specific, all-too-common type of theiving: I became a surreptitious, stealthy, often bold raider of any medicine cabinet I could gain access to as guest in the homes of family and friends. I began to look forward to visiting certain homes whose medicine cabinets I had successfully raided in the past, including those of aunts & uncles, both sets of grandparents, and my one-time fiancee. When my dear grandfather passed away, I recall having to be particularly cautious and sly to pocket the stash of painkillers he no longer needed. To my dismay (though I did not worry about it too much at the time), that opiate theft was blamed by some on an aunt of mine who was a nurse. This regrettable action eventually evolved into a gnawing guilt in spite my decreasingly vocal conscience.
Conclusion:
The journey through the realm of opioid drugs, from the discovery of natural opioids to the introduction of synthetic counterparts, has undeniably marked a significant triumph in medicine's ability to alleviate pain. Yet, this success story is shadowed by the grim reality of an opioid epidemic, with widespread abuse, dependence, and addiction leading to a devastating surge in overdose deaths. The accessibility of prescription painkillers has fueled a dangerous cycle of misuse, creating a challenging landscape for individuals trying to break free from opioid dependence. Personal narratives, such as the author's experience, underscore the insidious nature of opioid addiction, often beginning innocuously with medical procedures and eventually spiraling into a relentless struggle for recovery.
FAQ:
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What are some commonly abused opioids mentioned in the article?
- The article mentions opioids such as morphine, codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin®), oxycodone (Percocet®, OxyContin®), pethidine (Demerol®), and fentanyl (Durogesic®), among others.
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How did the author's opioid journey begin?
- The author's experience with opioids commenced after the removal of wisdom teeth as a teenager, where the initial use of prescribed pain medication evolved into a prolonged and problematic relationship with opiates.
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What role did the author's early experiences play in shaping their addiction?
- The author describes an early fondness for opioids, viewing them as a remedy for various emotional and psychological struggles, including fear, inhibition, depression, and sloth.
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What is highlighted as a concerning trend regarding opioid addiction in the article?
- The article emphasizes the alarming trend of individuals transitioning from prescription painkiller abuse to extended opioid maintenance, essentially substituting one form of addiction for another in their quest to break free from opiates.
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What challenges are associated with overcoming opioid dependence, as per the article?
- Overcoming opioid dependence is portrayed as notoriously difficult, contributing to the persistence of addiction. The author shares a personal struggle with an extended buprenorphine weaning process lasting almost six years.
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How did the author's behavior evolve into problematic opiate theft?
- The author progressed from initially taking more prescribed pain medication than necessary to becoming a stealthy raider of medicine cabinets, targeting the homes of family and friends. This behavior intensified over time, leading to a sense of guilt and remorse.
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What societal issue is highlighted in the conclusion of the article?
- The article concludes by drawing attention to the opioid epidemic, characterized by widespread abuse, dependence, and addiction, underscoring the dark side of the medical success story in the realm of pain relief.
