Understanding Opiate Abuse Symptoms

Understanding opiate abuse symptoms: Before we can understand opiate abuse symptoms we need to take a look at what constitutes an opiate in the first place. Opiates are a group of drugs that usually, but not always, prescription pain pills. These include Opium, Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, OxyContin, Percocet, and Methadone. These drugs are prescribed for severe pain.

The first problem with opiates is the fact that it doesn't take that long for people to develop a tolerance to opiates. This is when the body gets in the habit of having these drugs it will begin to take more of it to get the same desired effect. At this point the opiate abuse symptoms become more prominent since the body now needs these drugs.

The first sign of opiate abuse symptoms might be when the individual realizes that when they do not have the drug they are becoming ill. This is called being "dope sick." The first time they might actually believe they have a cold or the flu since the opiate abuse symptoms are very similar such as cough, muscle aches, insomnia, and runny nose, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. As soon as the opiates enter the body the symptoms will disappear but if no opiates are taken then these opiate abuse symptoms can continue for sometimes even weeks after the last dose of drugs. They can even go on adding anxiety, depression, irritability, and a strong craving for the drug.

These opiate abuse symptoms are what generally leads to addiction because the drug use is increased and soon it will become unmanageable. The consequences no longer matter, the cost doesn't matter, what the drugs are doing to the body doesn't matter; the only thing that does matter is getting the drug. Initially, the user wants the drug because they like the way it makes them feel but after addiction has set in most addicts will say that they were not getting the drug to get high but rather to just get right.

All opiates share the same active ingredient: morphine. Some of the chemicals in the brain are called endorphins and endorphins mirror morphine. They are like the body's natural opiates and they make the body feel good and relieve stress and pain. So, when the body is being pushed, stressed out and experiencing a degree of pain the endorphins kick in and offer the body a pain-relieving effect. When opiates are taken they go right to the brain, producing the same effects as the endorphins except the drugs are stronger than that of the brain's natural chemistry so in time the endorphins will basically die off. This means that if the opiates are not present in the body and the endorphins are dead, the body has no way to fight off stress or pain which makes quitting opiates a very tough feat.

By this time the opiate abuse symptoms will have spiraled into a full-blown addiction. If the user attempts to quit on his own the brain basically has no way to help out. These endorphins will grow back but it takes time. So, even when an opiate addict successfully completes a detoxification they are still at an extremely high threat for relapse because of the changes in the brain. The cravings for the drug are often impossible to fight off, leading to relapse.

Understanding opiate abuse symptoms is critical to those who have the desire to get their life back and also so a person that is struggling with an opiate addiction can be helped and brought in to recovery. Often understanding and being able to recognize the opiate abuse symptoms early can be the difference between life and death.

Opiate abuse symptoms usually present themselves as such: the individual will seem extremely tired, perhaps unbalanced and even clumsy, slurred speech is common and so is nodding off or the inability to keep their eyes open. Other opiate abuse symptoms are much contracted pupils. It is not very difficult to spot a person that is under the influence of opiates.

If you are fighting an opiate addiction then you only have two choices: one is to fight for freedom against this toxic drug and the other is to allow it to win at the cost of your life. Treatment is available that specializes in opiate detox and recovery. Without this treatment your chances of recovery are very slim.

If you believe that someone you know or love is hooked on opiates then you must act...don't wait for the right time. Use the information that you have been given and act immediately even if you have to conduct an intervention. Call today for help! You don't have to fight this giant alone!

Genesis House Inc. is a leader in addiction treatment and have helped thousands of people recover from the devastating consequences of their addictions. Call 1-800-737-0933 or 561-439-4070 for immediate help and answers. More information is available on our web site http://www.genesishouse.net or please email us at info@genesishouse.net