How common is opioid dependence?
Opioid dependence is more common than you may think. Opioid dependence is not predictable it is a reaction that occurs in people who, for reasons that are not completely understood, are biologically and psychosocially vulnerable. Men and women of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and educational levels can become dependent on opioids.
What is an Opioid?
Drugs derived from the opium poppy plant are opioids. Opium, Morphine, and Codeine are examples of these. Synthetic drugs that have a similar chemical structure are also opioids. Methadone, Dilaudid, Demerol, and Percodan are some examples of these.
How common is opioid dependence?
Opioid dependence is more common than you may think. Opioid dependence is not predictable it is a reaction that occurs in people who, for reasons that are not completely understood, are biologically and psychosocially vulnerable. Men and women of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and educational levels can become dependent on opioids.
Why Are Some People More Likely to Become Opioid-Dependent?
Exactly why some people, and not others, become dependent on opioids (or any addictive substance) is not totally understood. Most people who take opioids do not become opioid-dependent. However, certain factors appear to increase the likelihood of dependence, including:
- Risk-taking or novelty-seeking personality.
- Psychiatric disorders (eg, depression, bipolar disorder).
- Stress (high stress seems to increase the desire to use drugs).
- Properties of the drug itself (eg, how quickly it creates a "high," how long the effects of the drug last).
- Genetic factors that influence drug metabolism.
- Genetic factors contributing to the risk of addiction (ie, a family history of alcoholism)
- Lastly, substance abuse, which can lead to dependence, is often highly influenced by societal norms and peer pressure.
What’s an opioid antagonist?
It’s an opioid drug that reverses the effect of other opioids and causes you to go into withdrawal. Some of these drugs do produce a euphoric effect and at the same time send you into withdrawal. Talwin is an example of this category of drug. Taking these drugs can result in a euphoric effect accompanied by acute discomfort brought on by withdrawal.
