There are many myths about opioids that can be misleading to those using the substance. This guide debunks the most common myths and shows you how to get compassionate and effective opioid addiction treatment.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a group of drugs that help relieve pain. Some opioids come from the poppy plant, like morphine. Others are made in a lab, like fentanyl. You might also know opioids like codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin), and oxycodone (OxyContin).

Opioids travel through your blood and attach to special places in your brain cells called opioid receptors. This blocks pain and can make you feel good.

While opioids are effective at treating pain, they can also be dangerous. Low doses of opioids may make you feel sleepy. Higher doses of the medication can slow your breathing and heart rate, which can be deadly. The good feelings opioids cause can make you want to take more. Addiction means you can’t control your use of opioids anymore.

To stay safe, always follow your doctor’s instructions and take opioids exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of using opioids. If you are worried about addiction, ask about other ways to manage pain. Avoid all illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.

Opioid Addiction | Stats & Facts

Opioid addiction can start when a person takes opioids for pain relief and begins to feel euphoria. This good feeling can make them want to take the medication more often and in higher amounts. Over time, their brain gets used to the opioids – this is known as tolerance – and they need more to get the same effect. This can lead to physical dependence, a condition where the person needs opioids to function. Dependence often leads to addiction, where they can’t control their use of the drug, even if it’s causing problems in all areas of their life.

2022 data shows that 8.9 million U.S. adults used opioids, a decrease from 9.4 million people who used them in 2021. However, out of those 8.9 million people, 5.8 million developed opioid addiction, which was more than the 5.3 million who reported opioid addictions the year before.

The number of deaths from opioid overdoses went down from 84,181 in 2022 to 81,083 in 2023. Fewer people died from synthetic opioids like fentanyl in 2023 than in 2022, but the number was still very high at 74,000 deaths.

Just like other addictions, opioid addiction can be treated. With the right help and support, people can recover and lead productive and fulfilling lives.

12 Myths And Misconceptions About Opioids

Here are the most common 12 myths about opioids.

Myth 1: Prescription Opioids Are Always Safe

Many people think that because a doctor prescribes opioids, they are completely safe. However, even prescription opioids can be dangerous if not used correctly. They can cause addiction, overdose, and other serious health issues.

Myth 2: Opioids Are The Only Way To Treat Pain

While opioids can be effective for pain relief, they are not the only option. There are other ways to manage pain, such as physical therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acupuncture, and other non-opioid medications.

Myth 3: When Stopping Opioids, Quitting Cold Turkey Is The Best Way

Suddenly stopping opioids can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, which can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous. It’s safer to reduce the dosage gradually under a doctor’s supervision.

Myth 4: You Can’t Overdose On Opioids If You’re Not Addicted

Anyone can overdose on opioids, whether they are addicted or not. Taking too much of the drug, whether accidentally or on purpose, can lead to a life-threatening overdose, even with the first use.

Myth 5: You Can Stop Using Opioids Using Willpower Alone

Quitting opioids often requires more than just willpower. Many people need medical help, counseling, and support from family and friends to stop using opioids successfully.

Myth 6: Medications Used To Treat Opioid Addiction Replace One Addiction With Another

Medications like methadone and buprenorphine help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to stop using opioids. These treatments are not just replacing one addiction with another. They are part of a comprehensive approach to recovery that’s proven effective.

Myth 7: Anyone Who Takes Opioids Will Become Addicted

Not everyone who takes opioids will become addicted, but there is always a risk. Factors like personal history, dosage, and length of use can affect the likelihood of addiction.

Myth 8: Most Overdose Deaths Are Caused By Prescription Opioids

While prescription opioids can cause overdose deaths, many overdoses are now caused by illegal opioids like heroin and fentanyl, which are often much stronger and more dangerous.

Myth 9: If You Relapse, Recovery From Opioid Addiction Has Failed

Relapse is a common part of the recovery process. It doesn’t mean failure, but rather that the treatment plan needs to be adjusted. Many people eventually succeed in overcoming addiction, even after multiple relapses.

Myth 10: Fentanyl Is Not That Dangerous

Fentanyl is extremely dangerous because it is much stronger than other opioids. A tiny amount can cause an overdose, making it a major contributor to the rise in opioid deaths.

Myth 11: Opioids Are Only Used To Treat Pain In Terminal Cancer Patients

Opioids are used to treat many types of pain, not just pain from terminal cancer. They can be prescribed for pain after surgery, injury, or chronic conditions, but should be used with caution due to their addictive nature.

Myth 12: The Best Way To Fight Opioid Addiction Is Without Medication

MAT (medication-assisted treatment) is one of the most effective ways to treat opioid addiction. It combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a whole-person approach to treatment.

Get Help For Opioid Addiction At Gratitude Lodge

All opioid addictions are treatable and we can help you at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. We have welcoming luxury rehabs in Long Beach and Newport Beach offering addiction and mental health treatment programs.

Begin with supervised detox, accessing medications and 24/7 care to make withdrawal safe and easy. After about a week, you’ll move into ongoing inpatient treatment at one of our rehabs by the beach.

Every opioid addiction is different, so expect to get personalized treatment. Therapies include:

1. Medication-assisted treatment
2. Group therapy
3. Talk therapy
4. Counseling
5. Family therapy
6. Holistic treatments
7. Aftercare

Call our recovery experts for help with opioid addiction at 844-576-0144.

Sources

1. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/efficacy-medications-opioid-use-disorder
2. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546642/
4. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/release/2022-national-survey-drug-use-and-health-nsduh-releases
5. https://medlineplus.gov/opioidoverdose.html
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/
7. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud