opiate and opiod addiction

The terms opiate and opioid are used interchangeably in medical practices because opiates and opioids affect the same receptors in the brain tissues and have the same effects on the central nervous system. However, there is a difference between the two terms. Opiates are naturally occurring drugs derived from the opium poppy plant, and include drugs like opium and morphine. Opioids are synthetic (man-made) drugs derived from morphine, and include synthetic drugs like oxycodone, herion,hydrocodone and fentanyl.

All opiates are considered opioids, but not all opioids are naturally occurring opiates. The term opioid is an umbrella term that encompasses both naturally occurring opiates and synthetic opioid drugs.

While opiates are prescribed to relieve acute pain, prolonged use can lead to opiate addiction (opioid addiction) and abuse. Common opioids include prescription painkillers such as dilaudid, oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl, as well as the illicit drug heroin. Opiate addiction (including opioid addiction) is the leading cause of the drug overdose in the United States, with 47,600 deaths attributed to prescription and illicit opioids in 2017. Opiate addiction is a disease that has destroyed the lives and families of millions. While there is no cure for opiate addiction, this disease can be treated in drug addiction rehabilitation or drug rehab.

Smartphone Addiction- A current challenge to techno-world

Smartphone Addiction Facts

Although cell phones allow individuals to have unlimited access to information and to connect with others in a way otherwise thought impossible, there are many harmful and disturbing effects of smartphone dependence. Cell phone addiction, sometimes referred to as problematic mobile phone use, is a behavioral addiction thought to be similar to that of an Internet, gambling, shopping, or video game addiction and leads to severe impairment or distress in one’s life.

·         In a study conducted by Baylor University, cell phone addiction was linked to:¹

o    Impulsiveness and materialism.

o    A preoccupation with material objects as opposed to intellectual, spiritual, or cultural values.

·         The obsessive use of a smartphone has been compared to that of credit card misuse and compulsive buying.²

·         Cell phones have become a representation of social status and thus, there is pressure to own the newest release and to have all of the best applications.

·         People suffering from this condition oftentimes have what has been coined “nomophobia,” or the fear of being without one’s cell phone.

·         Problematic cell phone users can develop a social media addiction as well, which has a number of harmful effects on the user, such as:³

o    Impaired self-esteem.

o    Impaired work performance.

o    Interpersonal conflicts.

With the widespread accessibility of cell phones at a younger age now, teenagers are especially prone to developing an addiction to their cell phones or social media. Whether you or a loved one suffers from a cell phone addiction, there is hope for recovery.

Below are some more statistics associated with smartphone use:

·         60% of U.S. college students consider themselves to have a cell phone addiction.⁴

·         71% of people sleep with or next to their cell phones.⁵

·         35% of people think of their cell phones when they wake up while only 10% of people think of their significant others.⁵

·         44% of 18-24 year olds have fallen asleep with their phone in their hand.⁵

·         36% of people check their phones constantly, while 54% of young adults are checking constantly.⁵

·         Nearly 40% of people never disconnect from cell phones, even while on vacation .⁵

·         44% of Americans say they couldn’t go a day without their mobile devices.⁵

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Signs and Symptoms of Smartphone Addiction

Some major signs and symptoms of smartphone addiction include:

·         Tolerance.

·         Withdrawal.

·         Failed attempts to cut back on smartphone use.

·         Loses track of time when using mobile phone.

·         Uses cell phone in order to deal with unwanted emotions.

·         Text neck.

·         Digital eye strain.