The document discusses several common myths about opioid addiction and provides facts to debunk them. It notes that while opioids are commonly prescribed by doctors to treat pain, some patients continue taking them for prolonged periods and become dependent. It also states that anyone can become addicted to opioids regardless of whether they have a family history of addiction or not, as reactions to the drugs vary between individuals. The document emphasizes that the key to avoiding addiction is understanding the risks of opioids but that it is possible to use them safely under a doctor's guidance.

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2. Opioids are common
and effective drugs
that doctors prescribe
to treat chronic body
pain. Most people are
of the belief that the
opioid epidemic is a
distant issue that won’t
hit home, but opioid
abuse affects millions
of Americans and it
can take its toll on
friends and families
around those suffering
from addiction.

3. It is important to debunk the myths about this drug, since such
common misconceptions are what prevent many people from
getting help. People of all ages who have a substance addiction
disorder, must seek addiction counseling, New York City to
prevent serious mental and physical diseases, disorders and
conditions due to excessive, long-term exposure to drugs.

4. Myth- Medicine prescribed by doctor cannot be addictive
Fact- There isn’t anything inherently wrong about a doctor
prescribing a drug for their patients. The same applies for opioid
pain medications, which doctor prescribe for managing acute
pain. Some people continue taking the medication for prolonged
periods & became dependent on the drug.

5. Myth- Addicted patients are easy to recognize
Fact- Movies and television shows have made us believe that it is
easy to spot someone with an addiction (opioid, alcohol, or
otherwise). It is far from true, anyone can be addicted to opioids.
There is no specific type of person who may have an addiction.

6. Myth- Endure the pain is safer than to risk addiction
Fact- It isn’t logical to bear the pain by avoiding treatment .It’s
advised to talk to your doctor if you’re in pain and worried about
the risk of addiction with taking certain medication. The key to
avoiding addiction is to understand the risks of opioids, and that
it is possible to use them while avoiding addiction. Choosing to
avoid a medication out of fear of addiction is no way out.

7. Myth- People only become addicted, having a family history
Fact- There’s no denying that having a family history of
substance abuse does increase the risk, but in no way does it have
to be present for an addiction to occur. An individual who has no
previous history of addiction is as vulnerable to becoming
addicted to opioids as someone with a family history.

8. Reactions to opioids vary between individuals as does how each
person perceives pain, since some people are relieved of pain with
just minimal doses, while others require stronger and more
frequent doses. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall in,
you can become dependent on an opioid.

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