Physical Effects of Opiates

By: Jo Johnson - Updated: 14 Oct 2014 | *Discuss

 

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Opiates are a group of very powerful drugs often given as legitimate prescriptions for pain relief. If opiates are prescribed and managed as directed they are relatively safe and are not thought to be addictive. If they are misused however their potential for addiction rises significantly.

Opiate addiction can occur involuntary where a patient is prescribed these drugs for long-term pain relief. If they are suddenly withdrawn, it is only then that the person may find out they have an addiction to the substance.

Opiate drugs can be of natural origin like those derived from the poppy seed, or they can be chemically manufactured.They can come in the form of a tablet, liquid, suppository or power and can be smoked, swallowed, drunk, injected, inserted or snorted.

The most commonly known drugs in this category include morphine, heroin and codeine; these all have alternative prescription names depending on the manufacturing company along with many street names that vary in different locations.

What Are The Physical Effects?

The effects on the body of taking these substances are a tolerance to pain, feelings of euphoria, decreased appetite and thirst, and a reduction in breathing rate, heart rate and brain activity.

Other effects that have been experienced are a decrease in libido, nausea and vomiting.If the substances are injected the effects are immediate; but usually the effect depends on route, dose, type of drug and the frequency of use.

If the drugs are used frequently, a degree of tolerance can develop and the dose and/or route will need changing to produce the same effect. If large doses of the substance are taken severe respiratory depression may occur which can lead to instant death. This can happen easily if the person is buying their drug on the street and are unaware of its purity or if it has been mixed with another substance which often occurs if the dealer is changed.

Other side-effects can develop due to the nature of the product that the substance may have been mixed with; this is especially true of heroin.

Treatment Options

If the substance is suddenly withdrawn, symptoms of withdrawal and detoxification will be experienced including nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, restlessness, shaking, diarrhoea and muscle spasm; all or just some of these symptoms may be experienced.

Once this time has been managed and symptoms are being controlled, a long-term plan will need developing, this is often best achieved with the help of a qualified drug counsellor of therapist. The use of sedatives or tranquillisers is often needed to reduce anxiety and sleep disorders, along with the possibility of using a drug replacement therapy such as methadone.Behavioural therapies and support from external sources are commonly recommended to help the sufferer deal with the long-term effects, manage cravings and understand how and why their addiction developed.

Addiction to opiates is increasing and many users buying poor quality goods off the street of unknown origin. It is a very serious and potentially life-threatening addiction.

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