Opioid Addiction Prevention
The use of opioids either for short or long term can often lead to overdose and even worse, addiction.
Although a person’s personal history and time frame of opioids’ use play a huge role, it is almost impossible to predict who can become addicted to the use of it. These drugs are responsible for the majority of deaths today.
If you worry about addiction, this article is for you. Everything stated here is about how to avoid opioid addiction. Read on to know more.
How to Prevent Opioid Addiction
Don’t Keep Unused Opioids Around You
You should dispose of any unused or expired opiods that you have around you, either bought over the counter or prescribed by a physician.
In doing so, you need to let your family members and the other people around you understand why it is important to dispose of them. You can also show them the right way to dispose of prescription drugs, especially opioids.
Some examples of prescription opioid medications are:
- Fentanyl – This is a duragesic
- Hyrdromorphone – found in Dilaudid® product
- Codeine – It is an active ingredient used by pharmacists in some cough syrups. One product of Tylenol® also has it.
Ensure You Use Prescription Opioids Under the Supervision of a Physician
Proper usage of opioids under the guidance of a physician is very vital. Also ensure that you:
- Verify the right usage of the prescribed drugs by adhering to all the directions that the medical practitioner explained. It can either be a medical doctor or a pharmacist. Whichever, strictly follow the prescription label.
- Avoid increasing the amount of the drugs or the frequency of the drugs against what was written on the prescription label. If you deem any necessary changes in your prescription, consult your physician first.
- Store notes on prescription interactions with other medications if any occurs. If it interacts with alcohol, keep the note also and get quick help.
- Avoid using the prescription of other people. Also do not give your prescription to others.
- Store the medications safely from the reach of friends, children,family members, visitors, and other people.
- Understand the disadvantages of opioids prescriptions and how they can affect you. Learn about how the prescription kills other people.
- Try to consider other available options instead of opioids if you have chronic pain.
Educate Others
Proactively inform and educate your family members and other people around you about the dangers of opioids. Show them that it is better to prevent it.
Spend more time with the people that surround you. It will be easy for you to detect a change in behavior early on and manage it quickly.
Adolescents and teenagers are more vulnerable so enlighten them on the importance of staying away from opioids.
Final Thoughts
Opioids can be addictive and addiction to these medications are dangerous.
Inform people about opioids and the dangers inherent in using them. Also, keep your medications away from the reach of others and spend more time with family members. It will help you notice a sudden negative change in behavior on time.
Get Help
Get access to support and attentive care now, we at Salubre Care treatment centers love to help both you and your loved ones prevent opioid addiction. We are always here for you.