Over 4 million Americans are currently using prescription pain relievers (Opiates) non-medically. The abuse of painkillers has increased at a much more rapid rate when compared to other drugs of misuse. Opiate drugs are highly addictive and are used illicitly (Illegally) to achieve a state of euphoria or “high”.
Common Prescription Pain Killers (opiates): Darvon, Codeine, Denerol, Vicodin, Loracet, Morphine, Oxycontin, Percodan, Percocet, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Vicoprofen, Lortab
Some of the other potential short-term effects of painkiller abuse can include:
- Slurred speech
- Staggering or becoming clumsy
- Unusual sweating
- Nausea,Vomiting
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Constipation
Potential Signs of Prescription painkiller overdose:
- Slow or difficult breathing, or not breathing at all
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Cold, clammy skin
- Pinpoint pupils
- Death
Potential long-term effects of prescription painkiller abuse:
- Tolerance for painkillers, meaning a normal, safe dose no longer controls pain
- A greater risk for abusing or becoming addicted to other drugs, especially in young people
- Damage to a person’s brain and his or her ability to learn, especially if the person abusing painkillers is young
- Addiction to painkillers
Signs and symptoms of opiate withdrawal:
- Psychological pain
- Restlessness
- Muscle and bone pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cold flashes
