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Pros And Cons Of Opioids

1336 Words6 Pages

Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics: Opioids Opioid misuse, dependency, and addiction has reached epidemic proportions across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (2016) approximately two million individuals misused or were dependent upon prescription opiates in 2014. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are two commonly prescribed drugs that are at the forefront of the epidemic, accompanied with prescription Fentanyl and illegal heroin (CDC, 2016). For future counselors understanding how opiates operate within the brain and body of a client aids in the treatment of dependency and addiction. Counselors are also expected to perform various roles to assist individuals with addiction including assessments, creating individualized treatment plans, and counseling (SAMHSA, 2016).
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Opioids
Discuss the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of opioids (2-3 paragraphs). Be sure to identify neurotransmitters, specific sites in the brain that play a role with opioids, and information related to how the drug is metabolized. Pharmacokinetics is explained as how opioids are absorbed into the body and distributed into the tissues. Additionally, how opiates are metabolized or changed into metabolites and the …show more content…

Prescription or illegal forms of opiates can create a physical dependence when prescribed and ingested for as little as two weeks (Gordon & Dahl, 2011). Tolerance occurs when the brain adapts and the drug loses some of its effects. Dependence occurs when the opiate is suddenly stopped and the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms. Addiction is a chronic disease that is distinguished by lack of control, compulsive use, and continued use of an opiate despite the risks associated with seeking more (Gordon & Dahl,

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