By: Canadian Virtual Hospice Team
Unfortunately, many myths and misunderstandings about opioids prevent people from receiving adequate
pain control. This article discusses some of these concerns.
Won’t I become addicted?
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It’s very uncommon for people to become addicted to opioids when:
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They’re used as prescribed in palliative care to manage symptoms.
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The body does become used to the medication, which means the dose may need to be increased. This is referred to as tolerance and is different from addiction.
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The healthcare provider can ask certain questions that will help them know if there’s a risk of addiction.
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Addiction may happen if there’s an overwhelming preoccupation with getting more medication when there’s no medical need for it.
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A small number of people are at serious risk of becoming addicted.
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According to the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, a simple way to describe addiction “is the presence of the 4 Cs:
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Craving
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Loss of control of amount or frequency of use
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Compulsion to use
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Use despite consequences.”
I don’t want to start morphine too soon because it won’t work when I really need it.
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There’s no scientific or medical basis for this concern.
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Opioids such as morphine can be used effectively in palliative care for as long as they’re needed.
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The best way to manage pain is to control it early.
Those drugs will speed up my disease.
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Opioids don’t affect how an illness progresses. They simply help to manage pain associated with the illness.
If I take morphine, I won’t be able to drive my car.
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If the medication makes you sleepy, then it isn’t safe to drive.
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If the dose you’re taking is stable (no recent adjustments) and isn’t making you sleepy, then you’re probably safe to drive.
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Check with your healthcare provider to be sure.
Opioids in the home
Safe storage of medications including opioids.
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It is important to keep all medications in a safe place away from children and pets. Some people choose to have a lockbox in the home.
Safe disposal of opioids.
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Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the safe disposal of used opioid medication patches.
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Take unused opioids, that are no longer needed, to a pharmacist for safe disposal.
Content reviewed January 2023