Opioids

Data Sheet

Prescription Opioids

What are Prescription Opioids?
Prescription opioids are powerful medications typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. While effective for pain management, they also carry a high risk for misuse and addiction. Alarmingly, 12.2% of individuals who misused illicit drugs reported using prescription opioids.

Prevalence of Prescription Opioid Use
Reasons for Misuse

Pain relief: 62.6% of people misusing prescription pain
relievers did so to relieve physical pain.
To get high: About 12% misused opioids purely to
experience a euphoric feeling.
To relax or relieve tension: Reported by roughly 10% of
misusers.

8.7 Million reported misusing prescription pain relievers in 2021

Synthetic drugs like K2/Spice are a growing concern, as they mimic the effects of marijuana but come with a far higher risk of serious health issues and overdose.

Unlike natural cannabis, which has been used safely for centuries, K2/Spice is laced with synthetic chemicals that are both unpredictable and far more potent than THC. These man-made compounds pose significant risks, as they can disrupt brain function in dangerous ways, triggering severe physical and psychological side effects. This has led to a growing concern among health experts and policymakers, who are trying to understand the impact of synthetic cannabis on individuals and society as a whole.

Synthetic cannabis has gained popularity in recent years due to its easy accessibility and perceived legality. However, these products are often labeled as “not for human consumption” and sold under the guise of being potpourri or incense. As a result, many people may not realize they are consuming dangerous substances until it is too late.

Signs of Prescription Opioids Use

Physical Signs:

Small pupils
Decreased respiratory rate (slowed breathing)
Non-responsiveness
Weight gain or weight loss
Loss or increase in appetite
Intense flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremors, enlarged pupils)
Wearing long sleeves to hide arms, even in warm weather

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden change in attitude or personality
Avoidance of family and friends
New or different friends, hobbies, or activities
Drop in school grades or job performance
Isolation and secretive behavior
Moodiness, irritability, nervousness, giddiness
Increased tendency to steal or lie

Effects of Prescription Opioids

Opioids act on the brain to reduce the perception of pain but also produce other effects, including:

Intense euphoria
Drowsiness and sedation
Effective pain relief
Nausea and constipation
Risk of slowed breathing and death when misused

How are Prescription Opioids Used?

Prescription Opioids can be consumed in multiple ways, including:

ORAL (Pills, capsules, or liquids)
INJECTION (Directly into the bloodstream)
SNORTING (Crushing pills and inhaling the powder)

Common Street Names for Opioids

Risks and Concerns

Misusing prescription opioids is a silent struggle that can affect anyone, even within the safety of our own homes. It may start innocently—a desperate attempt to manage pain or stress by turning to a family member’s prescribed medication. But what begins as a small decision can quickly spiral into dependency, opening the door to far more dangerous substances like heroin. Prescription opioids can create a powerful grip over both the body and spirit, leading to profound consequences that often impact entire families.

The road to recovery starts with awareness and compassionate communication. Recognizing the signs of opioid misuse early and having open, judgment-free conversations about its dangers can make all the difference. Together, in faith and love, we must support one another, offering grace and understanding while encouraging healthier paths forward.

There is hope, even in darkness, and with prayer, courage, and a strong support system, healing and freedom from addiction are possible. Choose to reflect, reach out, and trust in the possibilities of restoration. You are never alone in this fight.