What’s wrong with pain meds and why do they cause addiction?

Prescription pain medications like Vicodin, Percocet, OxyContin and Tylenol with codeine contain opioids. Opioids can be very helpful in severe pain management when used appropriately. Unfortunately, opioids can be incredibly addictive (meaning that your body starts to feel like it NEEDS the medicine) and dangerous. Taking too much of an opioid can cause you to stop breathing. Famous people that have died from opioid overdoses include Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, Heath Ledger, Mac Miller, Juice WRLD and Lil Peep.

Opioid medications are oxycodone, codeine, morphine and hydrocodone, while heroin is an illegal opioid. Another problem with opioids is that your body gets used to them quickly so you have to keep increasing doses to get the same effect. Eventually, most people who have been prescribed an opioid medication run out of pills. If you are addicted you might seek out illegal pills or turn to the cheaper heroin. Either one is very dangerous.

Terrifying fact? 14% of high school students admit to using pain medications illegally or not as prescribed. Opioids are a big, scary deal. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, get help from a parent or doctor or call the national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.