Opiate addiction is a dangerous problem that has plagued society for centuries, but not today. A double-edged sword, opiates can heal or destroy.
Opium is a drug derived from the opium poppy plant. The main opiates are morphine, heroin and codeine. Thebaine and papaverine are also opiates. More commonly we see opiates in their synthetic form: oxycodone (OxyContin, Percodan), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Darvon, Demerol and Methadone is a synthetic opiate. The majority of these drugs are used medically for pain management.
Opiates are very effective in suppressing pain and reduce anxiety. In high enough doses, they can produce a euphoric state. For this reason, they are often used as a recreational drug. Psychological and physical dependence that leads to addiction often common in opiate users. The body quickly adapts to the use of opiates that increasingly larger dose is required to produce the same euphoric effect. Overdosing, sometimes leading to fatal respiratory failure occurs when the addict to take more than their body can handle.
Most opiates can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. Intravenous injection is the preferred method addicts long as this method produces the fastest, most intense high. This is also the method is accompanied by an increased risk of infectious diseases.
Physically, the addictive behavior of opiates include
- Dry mouth
- Muscle spasticity
- Slow, shallow or shortness of breath
- Pupil dilation
- Stomach and intestinal spasm
- Low blood pressure
- Diminished mental capacity, drowsiness and disorientation.