From opiates to fentanyl, from treatment to addiction

In the mid-1990s, the American laboratory Purdue Pharma launched OxyContin®, a drug derived from oxycodone (used as an analgesic for severe pain). The product has been sold to the public for years as a safe opioid. But this is not the case, and the consumption of OxyContin® triggered the public health crisis that the United States is experiencing today.

how they affect users

Opioids work by modulating neural pathways present in the human brain and some peripheral tissues in which neurotransmitter chemicals called “endorphins” are present. This word is used to emphasize its similarity to the morphine normally produced in our body.

Depending on the location and structure of its receptors, endorphins produce different effects: feelings of pleasure, low blood pressure, decreased intestinal peristalsis, etc. In the central nervous system, they form part of a descending branch that modulates pain-sensing receptors.

Large amounts of endorphins are naturally released during physical activity, laughter, meditation, sex, etc., so exogenous drug administration is not required. On the other hand, the primary therapeutic effect of opioids is to relieve or numb pain; however, the drug ends up interacting with other parts of the body and its systems.

In addition to the analgesic effect, it can also produce sensations such as pleasure, hypotension, sedation, constipation, and vomiting. But the pleasure effect makes opioids hyperactive.

opioid exposure

Three types of people may be exposed to opioids:

1) Health personnel responsible for the prescribing, administration and delivery of medicines, as they have the knowledge and facilities to obtain these substances. In addition, long working hours, stress and work overload can also lead to consumption problems.

2) Patients who pass medical prescriptions are vulnerable groups. Factors such as a history of addiction to other substances and the perception of pain as a fifth vital sign have expanded the scope of opioid prescribing, putting more of the population at risk of dependence.

3) Recreational users of opiates and other substances are vulnerable to mixing the substances they buy with opioids, as traffickers often mix substances to make products cheaper; can also increase levels of addiction and make your client Be obsessed with your product.

Fentanyl

Although fentanyl is only one of many opioids, it is now a major aspect of America’s drug problem. This is because of its greater potency, so it is only used in rare cases, especially in palliative care via a transdermal patch or in combination with other drugs for short-term surgical procedures. It is important to know that there are several compounds derived from fentanyl, such as carfentanil (veterinary), alfentanil, sufentanil, and remifentanil.