Painkillers are drugs also known as opiates. Some people call them narcotics. Opiates do two things. They help with pain and they can also provide a euphoric feeling or a high. Most people who take opiates do not like the high feeling and do not overtake the medication. Some however, find the opiates give them energy and a sense of well-being. Such individuals are at risk for becoming addicted to opiates. Of note is the fact, that most people who take opiates do not find the feeling particularly pleasant.
Opiates can be harmful or dangerous to one’s health for many reasons. The number one reason of course, is the fact that an opiate overdose can result in death. In fact, it’s a huge problem in the United States. In the last 10 years, over 250,000 Americans have died from opiate overdoses. Every day, over 100 folks will die, accidently, from an overdose of opiates.
There are other ways that opiates can be dangerous to one’s health. Often times, especially with street drugs like Heroin, the person has no idea of knowing exactly what is in the drug they are obtaining. It may contain dangerous drugs or even substances that cause irreversible damage to one’s body or brain.
Finally opiates are dangerous because possession of opiates without a prescription can result in imprisonment. No one wants to be in jail. In fact, if a person who has an addiction to opiates does not seek treatment, he or she will unfortunately most likely end up in one of three places. A hospital. A jail. Or, a cemetery!
If you or someone you know is suffering from a painkiller/opiate addiction and would like to seek help, call The Drug and Alcohol Detox Clinic of South Mississippi. They’re on the web at: www.TheDrugandAlcoholDetoxClinic.com. Or call 601-261-9101 for an appointment. There’s Still Hope!
