Opioid Addiction Research Paper

The issue of opioid abuse and dependence is an issue that we must deal with. Too many people are misusing and abusing these serious drugs. Currently, here in the United States 142 people die every day as a result of drug overdose and opioids make up about two-thirds of them ("Opioid Abuse," n.d.). That is an absurd number. The main demographic that is at risk for narcotics addiction and abuse is teenagers in high school, who are have their wisdom teeth removed. These adolescents or teenagers are 33% more likely to abuse and misuse narcotics later in life due to the prescription of opioid and narcotic painkillers (Miech, Johnston, O'Malley, Keyes, & Heard, n.d.). Narcotics are a huge issue and we must deal with this problem, promptly. This narcotics crisis is monumental and staggering, and thus needs to come to an end.

Statement of the Problem

Opioid abuse and addiction is a serious problem and the point of contention as of recently. The quantity of narcotics prescribed here in Georgia alone is staggering. In a one year span, doctors and surgeons prescribed

Exparel has many side effects. These include, but are not limited to, bloating or swelling, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness or light-headedness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, fever, paleness of the skin, rapid weight gain, sweating, tingling sensations, troubled breathing with exertion, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual weight loss or gain ("Exparel Side Effects in Detail," n.d.). It also has less common side effects such as, chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, slow or irregular heartbeat, chills, headache, hives, rash, etc. ("Exparel Side Effects in Detail," n.d.). All of these side effects are significant, because it could affect a patients experience or pain levels experienced. For example if a patient experienced chest pain due to the Exparel, they might require more narcotics, and thus nullify the point of using