Commonly Used Opioids: A Comprehensive Guide

Believe it or not, we have been treating a significant number of patients for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) drugs such as Suboxone and Methadone. While heroin and Fentanyl are also prevalent, it appears that many individuals who started on Suboxone or Methadone ended up becoming addicted to these medications.

Most Commonly Used Opioids in the United States

In the United States, hydrocodone, a potent opioid, was the most commonly prescribed opioid in 2016, with over 6.2 billion tablets distributed. Following it, oxycodone was heavily prescribed, with 5 billion tablets.

Understanding Opioids from a UK Perspective

As an individual from the UK, I have some insights into the use of opioids, though I'm not a medical professional. Here, I explore the most common opioids used and their effects from a UK perspective.

Codeine

Codeine is another widely used opioid in the UK, often combined with paracetamol in a drug known as co-codamol. I personally used this medication during a severe throat ulcer caused by glandular fever. It was incredibly effective, making the world seem less painful, and can be rather addictive. The relief it provided was better than anything I had experienced in a long time, but it did come with a risk of addiction.

Tramadol

Tramadol, another opioid, was another medication I received after surgery on my bottom. It’s a powerful pain reliever, but it’s also highly addictive. Initially prescribed to be taken every four hours, by around 2.5 hours after taking a pill, I started experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This highlights the addictive nature of even prescription painkillers.

Morphine

Morphine, one of the strongest legally prescribed opioids in the UK, provided excellent pain relief after my surgery. I can understand why some people might break into ambulances to steal morphine. While I highly discourage theft and the recreational use of morphine, it’s clear that this medication can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. It’s no wonder that some people resort to stealing money to pay for morphine or rob pharmacies to secure their supply. However, it is important to note that morphine can also cause severe side effects such as nausea and constipation. When the relief wears off, one can experience intense withdrawal symptoms, leading to a nightmare of bowel movements.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Opioids are extremely addictive, and I’m grateful that in each case I used these opioids only for short-term use. Overuse can undoubtedly lead to addiction, which can take over one’s life, and in some cases, it may lead to the use of more harmful substances such as heroin. It’s crucial to understand the risks and use these medications responsibly.

To summarize, the most commonly used opioids in the US are hydrocodone and oxycodone, while in the UK, codeine, tramadol, and morphine dominate. Understanding the risks and effects of opioids is vital for both healthcare providers and the public to prevent addiction and misuse.