by Eden A.
An opioid is a substance that acts on the receptors to make effects, positive or negative. Opioids, also called narcotics, are classic drugs that work together to relieve various kinds of pain in humans. These receptors are a region of tissue in the body that responds to the neurotransmitter.
Healthline explains, “A reason why doctors would prescribe opioids can help treat or lessen symptoms of chronic pain, severe pain, post-surgery pain and diarrhea. However, you may have higher risks of side effects if you take a higher dose than prescribed, take them without any prescription, or combine them with any alcohol and sleeping pills.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentions, “The number of drug overdose deaths increased by nearly 75% in 2020 and increases from today.” The first wave, meaning rising, began with prescribing opioids in the 1990s, and years later the second wave happened in 2010 with the increase in deaths due to heroin (a morphinan opioid substance derived from dried latex and the papaver plant). All of the research is based on the Canadian Opioid Crisis, not globally but can be a problem to other origins.
Ever since that experience, the market for illicitly manufactured fentanyl continues to change and now can be found in a combination with heroin, pills from over the counter and cocaine.
In 2019, Health Canada released a fact sheet on Canada’s Opioid Crisis. They show that 94% of the deaths by opioids are by accident, and are taking approaches to save lives by using naloxone. But, together we can reduce an overdose by using and learning how to use naloxone, a fast-acting drug used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone can restore breathing within 2 to 5 minutes and is carried at a lot of pharmacies and health care facilities that are FREE of charge in Canada. There are two types of Naloxone: Nasal Spray is sprayed directly into the nose where it is absorbed. It starts to take effect in 2 to 3 minutes and Injectable Naloxone is injected into a muscle in your body: the upper arm, thigh or buttocks are best. It starts to take effect in 3 to 5 minutes. Check out or attend a Naloxone training for more information.
