Hey there! Have you ever heard of opioids? They’re a type of medicine doctors use to help people with really bad pain. But did you know that sometimes these medicines can cause big problems if not used carefully? Let’s dive in and learn more! 🧐
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are strong painkillers that help people feel better after surgeries or when they have serious injuries. Medicines like morphine and codeine are examples of opioids.
When Medicine Becomes a Problem
While opioids can help with pain, taking too much or using them for too long can lead to something called addiction. This means a person feels like they need the medicine even if they don’t have pain anymore.
Why Is This Happening?
Some people say that part of the problem comes from the companies that make these medicines. They believe that these companies wanted to sell more medicine, so they told doctors that opioids were safer than they really are. This led to more prescriptions and, unfortunately, more addiction cases.
What’s Being Done?
Now, many people are working hard to fix this problem! Doctors are being more careful about how they give out opioids. There are also programs to help people who have become addicted.
How Can We Stay Safe?
- Always take medicines exactly as your doctor says.
- Never take someone else’s medicine.
- If you have questions, ask a parent or a doctor!
Remember, medicines can help us, but we have to use them wisely. Stay safe and keep learning! 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
