In a recent post, we examined the dangers of so-called “gas station heroin,” products that can be picked up in your local convenience store, which only lead to dangerous situations and symptoms that are far more than just inconvenient. We emphasized that tianeptine and 7-OH are opioids that are often sold in deceptive ways.
In this post, we want to consider opioids more broadly. This powerful category of drug has been at the heart of an epidemic in the United States for quite a number of years. Even so, many people still do not understand them well, and a range of myths and misinformation has sprung up over time. We are going to look at four misguided ideas about opioids.
Myth One: Taking Opioids Always Leads to a Substance Use Disorder
The very real dangers of opioids have been covered extensively—and rightly so. However, as a result of all of the publicity, some people have come to believe that it is never safe to use opioids. This can cause some people to avoid taking opioids altogether, even when they are prescribed by a physician for intense pain that cannot be effectively managed by other drugs.
The important truth here is that prescription opioids can be safely used under a doctor’s ongoing care. The key, as with all prescriptions, is to follow your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions to the letter. “Use only as directed” isn’t a suggestion—it is a necessity.
Myth Two: Prescription Opioids Do Not Pose Any Risk
This myth is, in effect, the opposite of the previous one. Some people might mistakenly believe that a prescription is a guarantee that a drug is safe. Again, opioids can be used safely when taken in accordance with your doctor’s instructions. But if they are misused, they can easily lead to a substance use disorder. Misuse includes taking more than prescribed or continuing to use the opioid beyond the original prescription’s duration.
It is also important to note that your body can develop a tolerance for opioids even when you are using them correctly—meaning it may take more of the drug to get the same results over time. It is important to discuss this with your doctor if you think you are developing a tolerance to a drug that has been prescribed for you. Do not change the way you take the drug on your own.
Myth Three: Only Illegal Opioids Result in Substance Use Disorders
In a sense, this myth is just a restatement of the previous one. If you believe prescription opioids do not pose any risk, then it might follow that only illegal opioids—like heroin—could be problematic. And make no mistake: illegal opioids certainly are extremely dangerous and should always be avoided. But as we have noted, prescription opioids can be just as dangerous if misused.
We will also use this spot to reiterate that there are some legal opioids—like so-called “gas station heroin”—that are not prescription drugs but are quite dangerous. More and more states are passing laws to restrict access to these substances, which means in many places, they already fall into the illegal category.
Myth Four: It Is Easy to Give Up Opioids
No matter what kind of drug is under discussion, there is always going to be a certain number of users of that drug who are wholly convinced they could stop taking it any time they choose to do so. The reality is far different, however. Opioids are certainly not easy to give up once a substance use disorder has developed.
Withdrawal symptoms related to giving up opioids include severe nausea, anxiety, and muscle pain. Intense cravings often arise. These symptoms can send a person scurrying back to the drugs to ease these difficult symptoms. When that happens, it is easy to see the kind of trap a person using opioids improperly and/or illegally can find themselves in. They may know they must give up the drugs, while also finding that it is impossible for them to give up the drugs. Meanwhile, every aspect of the person’s life is upended—including their physical and mental health, their ability to work or attend school, their relationships, their finances, and more.
Struggling With Opioids? We Can Help.
Located near St. Louis, Missouri, The Aviary Recovery Center is consistently recognized as one of the top substance use disorder treatment facilities in the country. That means you can count on top-notch care as you progress through our medically supervised detoxification program (designed to see you through withdrawal in a safe, comfortable setting), our rehabilitation program centered on group and individual therapy, and our alumni program. At each step along the way, you can count on our team to lean into evidence-based practices that are personalized to your specific needs.
If you are caught in a battle with opioids, we can help you reclaim your life and your hopes for your future. The best time to get treatment for a substance use disorder is always right now—and we are ready to get to work whenever you are ready to make a transformational change for the better.
