The opioid crisis in the United States continues to wreak havoc, especially in the case of prescription opioid painkillers. Learn more about these dangerously addictive drugs and how you can seek help for yourself or a loved one. Learn more at https://www.crystalrunhealthcare.com/specialties/behavioral-health

2. • Opioids are a type of drug derived from
opium poppies. Today, they are often lab
synthesized.
• Prescription opioids are commonly used for
the short-term treatment of severe pain.
The illegal street drug heroin is also an
opioid.
• Examples of prescription opioids include
hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone
(OxyContin, Percocet), morphine, codeine,
oxymorphone, and fentanyl.

3. • Opioids have an extremely high risk of
addiction, particularly when used for long
periods and/or in high doses.
• Opioids hijack the brain’s natural reward
system, creating a dependency where
feelings of pleasure cannot be felt without
higher and higher doses of the drug.
• The sensations of pain relief and relaxation
are what constitute the “high” that addicted
individuals find themselves chasing.

4. • In 2012, more than 2 million Americans
were estimated to abuse opioid painkillers,
while only 467,000 were estimated to
abuse heroin.¹
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse
estimates that more than 130 Americans
die each day from an opioid overdose.²
• 21-29% of patients taking prescription
opioids for chronic pain are estimated to
misuse them in some way. Approximately
8-12% of such patients develop an
addiction.²

5. • Over time, addicted individuals become
susceptible to withdrawal symptoms like
vomiting, cold flashes, muscle and bone
pain, diarrhea, and severe cravings.
• Overdose can slow breathing enough to
deprive the brain of oxygen, resulting in
permanent neurological damage, coma, or
death.
• Changes to brain chemistry can have a
noticeable effect on mood and behavior; a
formerly reliable professional can become
untrustworthy and erratic.

6. • Non-opioid alternatives for chronic pain include:
• Over-the-counter painkillers
(ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen)
• Massage and/or physical therapy
• Steroid and/or anesthetic injections
(nerve blocks)
• Surgical intervention
• Hypnosis, meditation, or other
relaxation techniques

7. • Because opioid drugs are so strong, it can
be dangerous to quit “cold turkey.” A safer
option is to slowly taper down the dose.
• Tapering may be recommended if opioids
aren’t working well enough, if a patient
experiences severe side effects, or if a
doctor suspects a risk of overdose or
substance abuse disorder.
• The plan should be individualized to
minimize withdrawal and maximize pain
management. It should progress slowly
(the CDC recommends a decrease of 10%
to start) with careful monitoring.³

8. • Common signs include:
• Slurred speech, uncoordinated
movement, appearing drowsy or “out of
it” throughout the day
• Suspicious medication-related behavior
(taking it for a long time, going through it
fast, empty bottles piling up, seeing a lot
of different doctors to get pain meds)
• Problems at work and at home (losing
jobs, financial issues, fighting with family,
missing major events, ignoring
responsibilities)

9. • Have an honest talk with the doctor who
prescribed the medicine. Your doctor
may recommend a tapering plan or refer
you to a detox facility.
• If your addiction is severe, consider a
residential program for an immersive
opioid addiction treatment experience.
• For support at any point in your recovery
journey, turn to the behavioral health
experts at Crystal Run Healthcare.

10. Crystal Run Healthcare is a private New York medical practice
dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of care. Our
Behavioral Health department is staffed by a knowledgeable and
experienced team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical
social workers.
If you or one of your loved ones are struggling from opioid addiction,
you can easily book an appointment with many Crystal Run Healthcare
behavioral health specialists through the website or contact us if you
need additional assistance.

11. 1. https://drugabuse.com/featured/the-effects-of-opiates-on-the-body/
2. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
3. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/clinical_pocket_guide_tapering-a.pdf