Opiates are one of the most commonly abused substances in our culture today. Sadly, a vast majority of people addicted to drugs are the youth. This article shed light on Opioid addictions.
What are opiates?
Opiates are a group of drugs obtained naturally from the seeds of the poppy plant. It is an important compound in narcotic painkillers. It puts a break on the activity of the central nervous system and thus reduces pain. It also induces sleep. Opiates as medications help relieve moderate to severe pain. However, the biggest drawback is they are habit forming. Long term use of Opioid substances results in physical and emotional dependence on the drug. An overdose is fatal. The most commonly used prescribed opiates are Morphine, Oxycontin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, codeine and methadone. Heroin is an illegal opiate.
Symptoms of Opiate Abuse
1. A feeling of Euphoria:
The drug in the tablet form is a slow release medication. However, when it is abused, it is either inhaled or dissolved in water and injected intravenously. The rapid release of the drug into the bloodstream causes one to experience a feeling of euphoria. The person appears very happy and content. He or she also seems calm and talkative.
2. Listless and lethargic feeling:
Opiate like many other banned substances causes excessive drowsiness. The person finds it hard to keep his eyelids open and craves to go to sleep. A person starts nodding frequently; nodding because of sleep. They fall asleep between conversations and also while standing idle. There is a general feeling of lethargy. A person acts slowly and talks slowly because of this constant tired feeling. There is lack of motivation. As the tolerance level for this drug increases, many start suffering insomnia.
3. Sudden weight loss or weight gain:
The feeling of fatigue and state of inactivity causes sudden weight gain in persons abusing opiates. Opioid substances have a negative impact on one's appetite. As dependence on the drug increases, people tend to eat less than their usual calorie intake. Thus, many start losing weight.
4. A general feeling of being unwell:
The person is plagued with an uncomfortable feeling of restlessness. One experiences weakness, vomiting, nausea, persistent headaches and diarrhea.
5. Changes in behavior:
There are noticeable changes in one's behavior too. The person becomes secretive about his actions. He isolates himself from friends and family. He get's aggressive and is easily angered. He experiences mood swings and bouts of depression. He may also display suicidal tendencies.
6. Physical changes:
There are several physical symptoms of opiate abuse. The pupils in the eyes become dilated. They often become as small as pinpoints. It is further characterized by unexplained sweating and body itching. A person feels dizzy and experiences cramps and chills and joint pains. He also displays flu-like symptoms. These include sneezing, a runny nose and constant sniffing.
Early detection is the key to treat opiate abuse. Thus, accepting that you suffer drug addiction or helping a loved one accept this fact is important. Speak to an addiction treatment professional. If the addiction is severe, it is best to enroll at a rehabilitation center.
Click here to know more on Abusing Opiates.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shalini_Mittal
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