Opiate Abuse

Opiate Abuse in the United States has become a very serious health problem costing millions of dollars in the care and treatment of those affected.

What are Opiates?

Opiates are painkillers used for a variety of physical ailments. When used properly, Opiates are extremely beneficial in managing pain. When Opiate Abuse occurs it can cause extreme problems. Opiates include Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, and Prescription medication such as Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin. Many opiate users start to increase the daily dose on their own which creates the Tolerance Effect. Tolerance is the gradual build up of the narcotic drug in the bloodstream. Very soon the individual will have to take more and more of the drug to attain the desired feeling or effect. This is when dependence to the drug begins.

Opiates produce a tranquil and euphoric effect. Users who inject an opiate such as heroin may also experience a "rush" as the drug circulates through the body. Some users combine opiates and other drugs to enhance the effect. Some users of opiates mix Cocaine with the Opiates. This is known as speed balling. Opiates reduce the hyperactive effects often caused by stimulants. When a user becomes dependent, finding and using the drug becomes the main focus of life.

Physical Effects of Opiate Abuse

The physical effects of opiate abuse depend on the opiate used, its source, the dose and the method used. Opiates slow breathing, heart rate and brain activity. Opiates depress appetite, thirst, and sexual desire. The body's tolerance to pain is increased. Using un-sterile needles all increase the danger of opiate abuse. The use of unsterile needles can lead to Hepatitis, Tetanus or AIDS.

Opiate abusers who abruptly stop using the drug experience withdrawal symptoms four to six hours following the last dose. Symptoms include uneasiness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, chills, sweating, nausea, runny nose and eyes, irritability, weakness, tremors and insomnia. The intensity of these symptoms depends on how much of the drug was taken, how often and for how long. These symptoms are usually strongest 24 to 72 hours after onset and can persist for seven to ten days.

Common Signs and Side Effects of Opiate Abuse

• Shallow breathing
• Drowsiness
• Lethargy
• Needle or track marks on inner arms or other parts of the body.
• Nodding out
• Constricted pupils
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Redness or raw nostrils from sniffing heroin
• Use of drug paraphernalia

Pregnancy Risks

Opiate abuse is harmful to the developing fetus. Pregnant women who are dependent on opiates have a higher risk for spontaneous abortions, breech deliveries, premature births and stillbirths. Babies born to opiate addicted mothers often have withdrawal symptoms similar to adults. These symptoms may last several weeks or months. Researchers have also found an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) among babies born to heroin-addicted mothers.

Opiate Abuse Treatment

Opiates are highly addictive drugs. Recovery and rehabilitation from opiate abuse may require hospitalization or a drug treatment program. If you or someone you know is struggling with opiate abuse or dependence contact one of our admissions counselors for a free confidential consultation. Call the leader in opiate addiction treatment with years of experience in the care and treatment of opiate addiction. Call Genesis House at 1-800-737-0933 or visit our web site for a free on line evaluation at www.genesishouse.net or contact us at info@genesishouse.net.