New Study Reveals Link Between Opioid Use and Vitamin D Deficiency
A new study at Massachusetts General Hospital warns of a dangerous link between opioid use and vitamin D deficiency. According to an analysis of the research, people with low vitamin D levels are more likely to become opioid-dependent if they are exposed to opioids in any context. Thus, medical and treatment providers need to know about this dangerous link between opioid use and vitamin D deficiency.
However, the new study also reveals some good news about the problem at hand. Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) appreciates when a raised problem goes hand in hand with a solution to that issue. Indeed, it is not difficult to address Vitamin D Deficiency. Moreover, it can be fixed quickly with inexpensive supplements that are easy to access.
As Dr. David Fisher, director of the MGH Cancer Center’s melanoma program and an author of the study points out, “Our results suggest that we may have an opportunity in the public health arena to influence the opioid epidemic.”
Opioid Use and Vitamin D Deficiency Linked
During the study, the scientists compare normal lab mice with mice deficient in vitamin D. After being given small doses of morphine, the mice with vitamin D deficiency display consistent drug-seeking behaviors. Although some of the other mice also displayed cravings for opioids, the response is much higher and more categorical in the mice with vitamin D deficiency. Moreover, when the vitamin D levels were addressed, the drug-seeking behavior lessened, and their opioid responses mirrored the normative behaviors of the non-deficient mice.
Offering substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services, TTC battles at the very heart of the opioid crisis that plagues the nation. We have seen the skyrocketing rates of opioid use disorder in the last decade. Thus, TTC appreciates the efforts of researchers across the country to find new medications for addiction treatment and improve treatment strategies. Indeed, the study at Massachusetts General Hospital is an excellent example of such work.
Commenting on his work, Dr. Fisher explains how such research can help. For example, if someone is having surgery, they receive opioids to relieve the pain. If nothing is known about this issue, that patient is at greater risk. As Fisher explains, if a person is deficient in Vitamin D, the effects of the opioid pain relievers will be intensified. Given the implications of the results. Dr. Fisher believes “that person is more likely to become an addict.”
Other Challenges Brought on by Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency leads to a whole host of problems for people. Indeed, an increased risk of opioid dependency is only the beginning. The link between opioid use and vitamin D deficiency is not surprising in such light. For example, vitamin D deficiency leads to the following issues:
Thus, signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:
- Greater Risk for Opioid Use Disorder
- Exhaustion and Fatigue
- Weight Gains and Being Overweight
- Mood Swings and Moodiness
- Excessive Sweating Without Explanation
- High Blood Pressure and Hypertension
- Digestive Problems and Indigestion
Given this plethora of issues, it makes sense to address vitamin D deficiency. If you cannot eat a healthier diet or get out into the sunlight (a great source of natural vitamin D, there are other solutions. For example, inexpensive vitamin D supplements are easily available. Indeed, such supplements are found at virtually all grocery stores and pharmacies.
Protecting People from Opioid Use and Vitamin D Deficiency
From experience, TTC knows that education is the key to prevention efforts. In the spotlight of Dr. Fisher’s conclusion that “if vitamin D deficiency is present in mice, all of the key opioid responses like dependency and withdrawals and pain thresholds are exaggerated,” the same most likely is true for human beings.
Therefore, education is a necessity. If more people know, then many will act. Naturally, there need to be more studies about the connection between opioid use and vitamin D deficiency in people. However, given the study’s implications and the dangers, raising awareness is an immediate priority.