What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and others. All opioids are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused (taken in a different way or in a larger quantity than prescribed, or taken without a doctor’s prescription).
What is opoid addiction?
Regular use of opioids—even as prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can lead to addiction, overdose incidents, and death. Addiction is a problematic pattern that causes significant impairments at work, school, or home, among other criteria or distress, such as unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use, social problems, and a failure to fulfill obligations. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 2.1 million Americans suffer from Opioid Use Disorder.
An opioid overdose can be reversed by the drug naloxone, when given right away. However, since 2015, overdose deaths involving heroin and fentanyl increased dramatically. Individuals using meth have high risk of exposure to fentanyl, sometimes used to ‘cut’ meth and leading to overdose and death. Test strips are available that can detect the presence of fentanyl. Opioid-involved overdose deaths rose significantly from 46,802 deaths in 2018 to 49,860 in 2019 Source: National Vital Statistics System, CDC
What are the stats for our LGBTQ+ Family?
We are at higher risk to move from recreational use to an addiction disorder diagnosis. An estimated 25% of the LGBTQ community abuses substances, compared to about 9% the population as a whole. LGBTQ individuals are 9.5 times more likely to use heroin than heterosexual individuals. In our LGBTQ+ family, substance use disorders often develop from high levels of stress, a lack of cultural competencies in the healthcare systems, and exploitative marketing tactics. Individuals turn to self-medication as a coping mechanism, to numb the feelings of trauma.
What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Fortunately, effective medications exist to treat opioid use disorders, including methadone,
buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications do not replace the drug. They work very
differently within the body, and help to reduce addiction cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
When taken as prescribed, these medications are safe and effective. MAT can help
individuals to achieve and sustain recovery, and to reclaim active and meaningful lives.
How can I support individuals with SUD?
Address stigma: People with substance use disorders may face mistreatment, stereotyping, and negative bias from society, including in healthcare settings. These challenges may lead them to avoid seeking medical help.
Watch your language: The language you use has a direct and deep impact on people around you. You can reduce stigma by changing the words you use to talk about drug use. People are not defined by the health conditions they may have. By adopting neutral, science-based language and person-first framings (as in “person with a substance use disorder”) organizations can help reduce stigma and build a healthier, more welcoming environment.
Educate and Advocate: Advocacy is defined as, “breaking down barriers to wellness, acting to dismantle systems of privilege and oppression, and working for and with marginalized populations to effect change and promote development” (O’Hara et al., 2016, p. 2).
Supporting and pushing through equitable legislation
Correct misinformation about addiction when you hear it because not everyone has been exposed to the neuroscience and current research related to addiction
Staying informed about addiction-related research and share this information with others