Have you or a loved one been prescribed opioids for pain relief? If so, you’re not alone. opioid medications are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. In fact, nearly 200 million prescriptions for opioids were filled by American pharmacies in 2017 alone.
While these drugs can be effective at treating pain, they also come with a risk of addiction and other serious side effects. In fact, opioid addiction has become such a problem in recent years that it’s now considered a national epidemic. So how does opioid addiction occur? There are seven factors that can contribute to someone developing an addiction to opioids. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones:
- Using opioids for a long period of time: One of the most common risk factors for opioid addiction is simply using the drugs for a long period of time. The longer someone takes opioids, the greater their risk of developing an addiction.
- Using high doses of opioids: Another risk factor for opioid addiction is taking high doses of the drugs. When taken at high doses, opioids can be even more addictive than when taken at lower doses.
- Having a history of substance abuse: People who have a history of substance abuse are also at a higher risk of developing an opioid addiction. This is because they may be more likely to take risks and engage in risky behaviors, such as using drugs without a prescription.
- Having mental health problems: Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, can also increase the risk of opioid addiction. This is because people with mental health problems may be more likely to self-medicate with drugs in order to cope with their symptoms.
- Being in pain: One of the most common reasons people are prescribed opioids is to treat pain. Unfortunately, this can also increase the risk of opioid addiction, as people who are in pain may be more likely to take higher doses of the drugs or use them for a longer period of time.
- Having a family history of addiction: Having a family history of addiction is also a risk factor for developing an opioid addiction. This is because addiction can be passed down from one generation to the next.
- Being exposed to stress: Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or losing a job, can also contribute to opioid addiction. This is because people who are under a lot of stress may be more likely to turn to drugs in order to cope.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, there are many resources available to help. Treatment options include medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and support groups. There are also many opioid lawyers who can help you understand your legal rights and options. Napoli Shkolnik is a good example of a law firm that specializes in opioid litigation. They represent individuals and families who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic. Contact them today at (844) 860-0949 to learn more about how they can help you.
