Understanding opiates
Opiates are a group of natural, partially synthetic or synthetic drugs, derived from the poppy plant or chemically synthesised in laboratories. The class includes both legal and illegal drugs. Legally prescribed opioids include morphine, codeine and oxycodone. Illegal opioids include heroin.
Opioids are used to help people cope with pain. They bind to the natural opioid receptors in the brain, mimicking chemicals related to sensations of pain relief, pleasure and reward.
When used as prescribed, legal opioids are one of the most effective forms of pain relief, especially when the pain is severe or other attempts to relieve it have failed. However, because opioids have both pain-relieving properties and positive psychological properties, they are among the most abused types of substances available.
When opioids are abused, or when illegal opioids with a significantly higher potency are used, the route of administration is usually altered. Pills are often ground and the powder is snorted, smoked, or mixed with water and injected. These methods increase the speed of absorption, leading to a ‘rush’, a fast-acting, strong effect of positive sensations.
Even when taken as prescribed, the potential for abuse and addiction is high and treatment may be required. Repeated use can lead to physical dependence within 4 to 6 weeks, and psychological addiction can develop in as little as two days.
Signs and symptoms of opioid abuse
Mood and psychological symptoms
- increased general anxiety
- anxiety attacks
- euphoria
- psychosis
- improved self-esteem
- depression
- irritability
- lowered motivation.
Behavioural symptoms
- using opioids for longer, or in greater amounts, than intended
- unsuccessful attempts to decrease the amount taken
- spending a large amount of time obtaining, using or recovering from the drug
- abandoning important activities.
Physical symptoms
- improved alertness
- increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli
- constricted blood vessels
- increased heart rate
- high blood pressure
- increased energy
- decreased appetite
- increased sexual arousal
- physical agitation
- difficulty sleeping
- over-arousal and hypervigilance.
Effects of opioid abuse
Some of the side effects of opioid use include:
- fatigue
- constipation
- breathlessness
- a sense of elation
- bronchospasm
- physical and psychological dependence
- nausea
- confusion
- depressed respiration and difficulty breathing
- death, often due to the use of more than one substance
- chest pain.
Withdrawal effects of opioid abuse
Common withdrawal effects when a person stops using opioids include:
- physical and psychological cravings
- nausea
- stomach pain
- cold sweats
- chills
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- agitation
- anxiety
- muscle tension
- shaking or quivering
- trouble sleeping
- enlarged pupils
- pain in the bones.