Top 7 Dangers of Opioids

Opioids or narcotics are a type of potent drugs prescribed for strong pain mostly. You may have heard of oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, or tramadol; all these drugs belong to the opioid family including heroin, which is illegal.Here are the top 7 dangers of opioids.

7. Addiction

Opioids are highly addictive since they bind to certain receptors in the brain, which are responsible for releasing dopamine. Dopamine gives people the sensation of being well but it is temporary; that is why it is addictive because you will crave it and ask for more. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

6. Mild Symptoms

Any drug has side effects. If you took a drug and didn’t experience side effects, know that this drug may not work. Narcotics have many side effects and they range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include constipation, vomiting, nausea, and itching. (6, 7)

5. Moderate Symptoms

Mild symptoms are more common than moderate symptoms. People who experience moderate symptoms usually have chronic health problems or have weaker immunity.
Moderate symptoms include dizziness, sedation, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. (8, 9, 10, 11)

4. Respiratory Depression

The use of opioids is associated with a wide range of side effects ranging from mild to severe. Respiratory depression is considered a severe side effect. It is called OIRD, which stands for Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression and it can lead to immediate death. (12, 13, 14)

3. Cardiac Arrest

Most people who take opioids tend to abuse it. Abusing opioids leads to respiratory and cardiac problems including metabolic disturbances and progressive heart failure. At this point, all you need is an overdose to have a cardiac arrest. (15, 16, 17, 18)

2. Atrial Fibrillation

Studies show that opioids increase heart rate. Chronic opioid intake and/or overdose can lead to atrial fibrillation, which means irregular heartbeat that may result in stroke, blood clots, heart failure, and many other cardiac problems. (19, 20, 21)

1. Death

Studies show that prescription opioids, synthetic opioids, and illegal opioids such as heroin may lead to death. Statistically, around 70% of these deaths are among males and the most common cause of death among opioid users is cardiac arrest due to overdose. (22, 23, 24, 25)