Reader's Note: If you are using opioids (either prescription pain pills or recreationally), I hope this article helps. If you aren't, please consider sharing this article so that it can reach those in your network who might need help.

If you use opioids, whether prescription or recreational, for even a couple of weeks, you can develop a physical dependence. This means that you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly. This physical dependence is typically quite benign, allowing you to stop opioids eventually. But it's quite likely that you might feel the urge to continue using opioids in long term and potentially develop opioid use disorder. Some stats:

6% of people starting a new opioid prescription of even a single day will continue taking opiates after 1 year, on average. This probability increases with every additional day prescribed.

Roughly 30.6% of young adults between 16 to 25 are prescribed opioids after a dental procedure. 6.8% of them on average continue using opioids after 90 days and 5.8% of them are diagnosed with opioid abuse.

Over 130 people die every day due to opioid-related overdose. 40% of those deaths involve prescription opioids.

Unaddressed opioid dependence can have severe consequences. It needs to be caught early with prompt initiation of treatment.

How do I know if I'm addicted to opioids?

Answer the following questions with either a yes or no:

Has your use of opioids increased over time?

Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using?

Do you use more than you would like, or more than is prescribed?

Have you experienced negative consequences to your using?

Have you put off doing things because of your opioid use?

Do you find yourself thinking obsessively about getting or using opioids?

Have you made unsuccessful attempts at cutting down your opioid use?

If you have answered yes to at least 3 of these questions, you are addicted to opioids.

Getting help to quit opioids

The good news is - there are many treatment options to help you quit opioids. Here is a simple cheat sheet to help you decide an option that is best for you.

My startup Bicycle Health helps many busy professionals with opioid dependence get the help they need. We are happy to help you too - please reach out to me here on on LinkedIn, or send me an email at ankit [at] bicyclehealth [dot] com.



