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Thanks on your query, and we’re very sorry you had a painful expertise.
You’re completely proper that utilizing opioids prescribed by your physician (like oxycodone or fentanyl) to deal with ache is totally different from misusing these drugs for different causes. Opioids can be utilized short-term, like for days to weeks, to deal with ache. So long as you’re taking them solely as wanted to handle the ache and observe your physician’s directions for dosage and period, it’s not thought of problematic use or habit. The aim is to cease the drugs as quickly as your ache improves.
Some individuals who take opioid drugs at larger doses than prescribed, for longer than prescribed, or once they don’t want them for ache can develop a substance use dysfunction (or habit). Opioids are very robust medication, so it’s vital to make use of them rigorously to keep away from this drawback.
Some indicators that an individual could also be creating an issue embody:
- Cravings for the medicine
- Issue decreasing the quantity they’re taking
- Issues at work, faculty, or in relationships on account of needing the medicine
- Stepping into harmful conditions to acquire the medicine (like getting it from individuals apart from the physician)
- Utilizing extra of the medicine or utilizing it for longer than supposed (“a binge”)
- Giving up actions they get pleasure from to make use of the medicine
- Spending a whole lot of time getting and utilizing the medicine
If you happen to’re not having any of those issues, it’s okay to proceed utilizing the patches solely as a lot as you want on your ache.
Lastly, be sure to return any leftover patches to the pharmacy or your native hearth/police station if you don’t want them anymore. They are often harmful to maintain round the home, and also you don’t need anybody by accident entering into them.