Pain Killers
Over the last several years, a lot has been said about the misuse, overuse, and abuse of Prescription Painkillers.
Most often, these painkillers are Opiates or Opioids. They are basically the same thing except Opiates are natural and Opioids are synthetic: a term used for items created in a lab not found in nature. For a good explanation of this, click here
The Medical name for Painkillers is Analgesics, although that word is rarely used outside of the medical & Pharmaceutical community.
Pain Killers fall into one of Four categories and many of them can be bought over the counter while others require a prescription.
Non-opioid painkillers – this includes paracetamol (Acetaminophen such as Tylenol) and Aspirin (generally not physically addictive)
Anti-inflammatory drugs – Also known as NSAID's which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The most common example of these is Ibuprofen (Advil) (generally not physically addictive)
Opioid painkillers – such as codeine, Oxy, and morphine. (can be very physically addictive)
Compound painkillers – this is when two different drugs are combined into one. A common example is combining Tylenol with Codeine
FOR WAY MORE DETAILED information on the types of pain killers, Read this article from Versus Arthritis
Featured Video: How do Pain Relievers work?
Ted Ed created by George Zain
Other Non-Opioid Painkillers are Cannabinoids, Kratom, and Steroids.
Click expand arrow for more information and links to other webpages
In addition, Cannabinoids, a category of drugs that include CBD and THC (the main active compounds in Marijuana with THC being the Psychoactive one) have been proven to have pain killing properties. High-Quality, CBD products that are THC FREE (less than .3%), are not thought to be addictive and are 100% legal throughout the United States. They may be a great alternative to Opioid addiction and use for many people. For more on this, read this article from national pain report.
Special Note: These are generally not CBD products purchased at places like 711. They are still legal but usually have sugar added and are often not potent enough to have real physical medical benefit. For more information, visit the marijuana and CBD pages
Another natural product, Kratom, has also become increasingly popular as of late to use for pain relief rather than prescription opiates. For more information on Kratom, visit this page
Furthermore, sometimes, correct use of Steroids help to relieve pain by quickly eliminating inflammation. This is one of the reasons why Athletes abuse them, because they can work harder with minimal pain. Please visit the Steroids page for more detailed information.
From DrugFreeWorld*. Go through the course, take key notes from each section, take the quiz at the end, then submit your results to teacher = Use for Project Research, substitutes from missing class time or EXTRA CREDIT
Featured Articles & other resources
Remember you may receive extra credit by reviewing any of these articles and emailing Mr. Corabi. QUICK summaries/reviews = extra credit class participation points. A complete, detailed summary and reflection may count for an extra or substitute Constructed Response grade
Common Opioids
Articles and other resources
(Discovery Channel Health)
FEATURED VIDEOS
Sesame Street explains Opioid Addiction to protect Children (HBO FAMILY)
2022_PIAA PSA-pain killer.mp42022 PIAA PSA award winner
2021_PSA_Award_Winner.mp42021 PIAA PSA award winner
2020_PSA_Award_Winner.mp42020 PIAA PSA award winner
The Truth about Painkillers
7 minute short documentary (DrugFreeWorld*)
Chasing the Dragon (DEA)
One of the best full-length documentaries on this topic ever.
This is the full-length video not the set of clips we saw in class
America's Opiod Crisis (BBC)
full length documentary
How do you help someone who overdoses?
ARTICLE:
What to do in case of an overdose (I know mine)
*Please Note: "Drug Free World" is a non-profit agency devoted to educating about the dangers of Drug Abuse. This disclaimer is provided because the organization is funded by the church of Scientology. On their "about me" page, the Foundation for a Drug Free World indicates their mission is solely for educating people and young people about the dangers of Drug Abuse. None of their materials, resources, pamphlets, and videos mention any theological aspects of their religion. Thus, the separation of church and state is intact. If any student notices a religious reference to any of their materials, please let me know immediately.