The problem isn't opiates. It's larger doses than necessary combined with synthetic drugs that are much more powerful than the natural poppy alkaloids. Quick r

The problem isn't opiates. It's larger doses than necessary combined with synthetic drugs that are much more powerful than the natural poppy alkaloids. Quick rundown: The poppy plant has two main alkaloids that make up the majority of its analgesic activity: codeine and morphine. Codeine works following being broken down by the liver into morphine. It's essentially the same drug but requires larger doses due to the inefficient pathway. I have had a chronic pain condition for many years now and take 30mg morphine sulfate tablets twice daily. Instant release taken often works far better than extended release drugs because the total dose is much less, which keeps tolerance levels low, thereby lower dependence. Oxycodone is 1.5 to 2x as strong as morphine. [1] Oxymorphone is 7-8x times as strong as morphine. [1] Fentanyl is 50-100x times as strong as morphine. [1] Of course this is referring to gram for gram, and these substances do have different molecular weights. But even so, the potency has much to do with bonding length between the drug and the body's receptors. Bonding length is correlated with bonding strength, also correlated with addictive qualities. For low to moderate pain, Tramadol[2] is the best analgestic. For moderate to severe pain, Tapentadol[3] (Nucynta) is by far, the most therapeutic and least addictive. I used to take it until I lost my insurance. Unfortunately it costs $1500 a bottle. It's a newer drug. The same company Depomed that created Tramadol kept going and made a better and stronger version. Having tried gabapentin, muscle relaxers, all kinds of stuff, pretty much everything out there, I will say, Tapentadol is really an amazing drug. It's unfortunate its so expensive and not covered by many insurances though. So in summary, if a person has the insurance, the doctor should prescribe them Tapentadol or Tramadol. As a last resort, prescribe Codeine and/or Morphine. Not these crazy synthetics with ridiculous addiction profiles and bonding strengths. Hope this helps anyone who ever has a pain condition. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equianalgesic https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equianalgesic [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tramadol https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tramadol [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapentadol https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapentadol