🚨 Commonly abused drugs: Opioids 🚨 Opioids are prescription medications used to relieve strong pain. They include drugs like oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl, as well as illegal opioids such as heroin. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and body, blocking pain signals and dulling the feeling of pain. This makes them effective for pain relief. However, opioids are highly addictive. People can quickly lose control and continue using them just to feel “normal.” 📉 The consequences of opioid abuse? Abuse can cause slowed breathing, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation, addiction, overdose, and even death. 🛑 How to help prevent opioid overdose: - Take opioids exactly as prescribed—don’t take more or use them more often than directed. - ⁠Never mix opioids with alcohol, sleeping pills, or illegal drugs. 💊 Take medications as prescribed, avoid self-medicating, and always seek professional help for opioid abuse or serious side effects. In overdose cases, naloxone can save lives by quickly reversing effects. 💡 Don’t misuse opioids. Always follow medical advice and seek help if you or someone you know struggles with opioid use. Reference: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids#treating https://medlineplus.gov/opioidoverdose.html #fip #fipecpg #commonlyabuseddrugs #opioids #safemedicineuse #think_health #think_pharmacy 📥 Stay updated with the latest news and opportunities by following our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VafVnPqIHphGbcLJLG2U 🤝 Join the ECPG and become part of a global network of passionate pharmacy professionals: https://www.fip.org/about-early-career-pharmaceutical-group