The number one cause that leads to addiction.
- trilogywellness
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Opioid addiction has become one of the most serious public health crises in recent history, claiming thousands of lives every year and affecting millions of families across the globe. While there are various avenues that can lead to opioid addiction, the number one way people become addicted is through the use of legally prescribed medications intended to manage pain. This often unexpected route into addiction usually begins with a doctor’s prescription following surgery, injury, or chronic illness.
Opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl, are commonly prescribed for their powerful pain-relieving properties. These drugs work by binding to receptors in the brain and nervous system, reducing the perception of pain. However, they also trigger the release of large amounts of dopamine—a chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. This euphoric effect can make people want to keep taking the medication, even after the pain has subsided.
Many individuals who develop opioid addictions start off taking their medication exactly as prescribed. The problem arises when the body builds a tolerance to the drug, meaning the person needs more of it to achieve the same relief or pleasurable feeling. This can lead to misuse—taking higher doses, taking the drug more frequently, or using it in ways other than directed (such as crushing and snorting pills). Over time, physical dependence can set in, followed by psychological addiction.
The rise in opioid prescriptions during the late 1990s and early 2000s played a major role in fueling the addiction crisis. Pharmaceutical companies assured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to opioid pain relievers, which led to a dramatic increase in prescriptions. Many well-meaning doctors, eager to treat pain effectively, prescribed these medications widely, unaware of the long-term consequences. As a result, millions of people were exposed to powerful opioids, often without being warned of their addictive potential.
When prescriptions run out or become too expensive, some individuals turn to illegal opioids like heroin or fentanyl to satisfy their cravings. These street drugs are often more potent and dangerous, increasing the risk of overdose and death. Fentanyl, in particular, is up to 100 times stronger than morphine and is often mixed with other drugs without the user’s knowledge, leading to a dramatic increase in fatal overdoses.
What starts as a legitimate medical treatment can quickly spiral into addiction due to the highly addictive nature of opioids and the body’s ability to build tolerance. The combination of medical trust, lack of awareness, and the powerful effects of these drugs has created a perfect storm for addiction. Addressing this crisis requires better education for both doctors and patients, more responsible prescribing practices, and greater access to non-opioid pain management and addiction treatment resources.
