Opioid Use

            Opioids are narcotics and typically refer to drugs that are derived from the opium poppy plant as well as their synthetic alternatives (Hanson, Venturelli, & Fleckenstein, 2015).  Opioids are commonly used as a pain reliever and they are effective in relieving pain in the internal organs and muscles in the body.  They relieve pain by activating endorphins that are released in the Central Nervous System as a result of painful experiences (Hanson, Venturelli, & Fleckenstein, 2015).  The opioid blocks the spread of the painful message to alter the perception of pain.  Because the drug has a direct influence on the opioid receptors, there is a widespread affect throughout the body and the pleasure pathways of the brain are activated, resulting in increased production of dopamine.  The increased production reinforces the rewarding effects of the drug and it can easily lead to dependence or abuse (Hanson, Venturelli, & Fleckenstein, 2015).

I am currently working as a Substance Abuse Counselor in a treatment center that provides services to Florida Department of Corrections (DC) male inmates.  Each of these clients have been screened by the DC and have been determined to have a need for substance abuse treatment because of the offenses they committed related to substance abuse.  Alcohol and marijuana are substances that are frequently reported by the clients as their drug of choice, but it seems from the intakes that I complete, opioid use, possession, or sales is related to a great number of the charges.  The effects on individual are not limited to the client, but they effect the family of the client, their local community, and the state as a whole.  Opioid users frequently report becoming addicted after receiving a prescription for a legitimate medical condition.  As their use progresses, they seek other methods such as “Doctor Shopping” to gain their substance.

Oxycodone (Oxy’s) is a powerful opioid typically prescribed by doctors for treating intense, short term pain.  In 2010, Florida was considered the unofficial pill mill capital of the United States; 93 of the top 100 Oxycodone prescribing doctors in the country resided in Florida (Silvestrini, 2014).  As state legislators tightened the laws on pain management clinics and put in to effect a database to track prescriptions, these numbers decreased and Oxycodone became harder to obtain.  As a result, many of my clients who have sold Oxy’s report having as many as 25 people working under them to obtain prescriptions.  In exchange, the dealer would pay for the prescription and give the person a small sum of money and pills.  The addict, when he is unable to obtain his prescription, reports stalking and robbing individuals leaving clinics and pharmacies to obtain the drug.  Property crimes also rise in communities as addicts steal from homes and businesses to pawn items in exchange for money to obtain their substance.

Break free of your addictions!  If you or someone you know are ready to seek help, contact Coastal Wellness Counseling now for a free consultation.  Addiction is progressive - so is recovery!!

References

Hanson, G. R., Venturelli, P. J., & Fleckenstein, A. E. (2015). Drugs and society (12th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Silvestrini, E. (2014, August 30). Florida heals from pill mill epidemic | TBO.com and The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved from http://tbo.com/news/crime/florida-heals-from-pill-mill-epidemic-20140830/