The unsuspected threat of three opioid-like substitutes

The opioid epidemic has left its toll on the United States with millions suffering from an opioid use disorder and tens of thousands dying from overdoses each year. With intentions to combat the crisis, health providers have been prescribing less opioids, which resulted in an unintentional increase in the abuse of other opioid-like substances. Three emerging drugs of abuse have been noted in the literature as having increased abuse potential in light of recent trends. Kratom, an herbal supplement, gabapentin, a prescription nerve pain and anticonvulsant medication, and loperamide, an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication. These have all displayed opioid-like properties at high doses and used to alleviate opioid withdrawal. Healthcare clinicians and patients might not be aware of the potential risks involved with misusing or abusing these opioid substitutes. This article discusses the increased usage of kratom, gabapentin, and loperamide, the abuse potential, adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms of each drug, and nursing implications that impact inpatient safety and management.