Opiate Addiction Abuse

Table of Contents

Opiates are a class of medically prescribed pain-relieving drugs.  They are a non-synthetic narcotic that are produced from the fluid derived from the Poppy Plant.  While these narcotics are used to relieve pain, they are also used to create some illegal and highly addictive drugs such as morphine, codeine, and heroin, fentanyl and more.  There are a plethora of street names for the different types of opium you can obtain, all bad, all with consequences. 

 

Opiates create a euphoric sensation for the user, that is one of the reasons why consumers keep going back to it.  In a state of Euphoria it makes the most mundane activity seem exciting and pleasurable.  There are many different activities that can result in the same feeling without the need of taking drugs, opiates are a quick escape to find relief.  For some moments, all the pain is gone, you start to feel okay again, but it only lasts for a little while, then your body begins to crave more doses.  There are possible grave consequences to this addiction and so much more to explore.

opiates use

The effects of Opiates

These are some of the effects that happen when a person takes opioids.  Sleepiness, relaxation, euphoria, nausea, vomiting, and constipation slowed breathing, which can result in hypoxia: low levels of oxygen in your body tissues. It causes symptoms like confusion, restlessness, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and bluish skin.

Possible Effects of Opiates

In Low Doses

  • Noticeable euphoria
  • Drowsiness 
  • Confusion
  • Mood changes 
  • Small Pupils 
  • Slowed Breathing 
  • Intermittent nodding off

In Higher Doses

  • Loss of Consciousness 
  • Constipation
  • Drastic Mood Changes
  • Doctor shopping
  • Social withdrawal 
  • Isolation Sudden 
  • Financial problems
Effects of opiates

The Risks of Opiates

Opiates can be dangerous because they can be misused and cause addiction for the user.  Addiction can be fatal and the withdrawal comes with terrible consequences

Are Opiates Addictive?

Yes, opiates are addictive.  Chemical effects produced in the brain receptors on the nerve cells create addictive behaviors on the brain and body.  These effects cause the consumer to have a sense of Euphoria.

  • Fatigue
  • Aches and pains
  • Stomach ache 
  • Nausea 
  • Anxiety 
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucination
Method to use opiates

How Do People Use Opiates?

Opiates are used recreationally for pain relief usually in pill form.  When abused, the pill consumption is increased; another form people use is intravenously:  

  • taken in pill form, but they can also be taken as lozenges or lollipops
  • Some are administered through a vein, by injection, or through an IV, and others can be delivered through patch placed on the skin or with a suppository

What are the Signs of Opiate Dependency?

Like most drug addictions, some signs of dependency include isolation, distortion on focus and attention, confusion, loss of consciousness, etc.  Some other physical signs can include markings on the body where drugs were intravenously injected: 

  • Taking Opiates on a regular basis 
  • Taking larger and larger amounts of Opiates 
  • Requiring Opiates to feel “normal” 
  • Anger, irritability or aggression when not taking Opiates
  • Can only function when taking Opiates
opiate help

In Conclusion

If you or a loved one are concerned about possible opiate addictions and/or have been showing these signs it is time to get help.  Dependency on opiates are not to be taken lightly, the addiction is fatal.  There are a plethora of gateways to reverse this addiction and get you or a loved one back to your regular selves and back to living your best lives.