Opiate

Opiates are drugs that are derived from opium, or the poppy plant. There are many synthetically, or man-made, opiates as well. This includes codeine and morphine, among others. These drugs, both natural and synthetic, are highly addictive and can produce a physical dependence in the user in as little as one use. When opiates are used for a long-term period, if they are stopped abruptly and not tapered off, they can cause the body to suffer very serious withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction rehab can help.

Most modern prescription painkillers are opiates. This is causing a very dangerous addiction epidemic on prescription medications. Heroin addiction and abuse is also on the rise, due to the similar effect this opiate provides on the mind and body. Opiates have been used for pain relief since long before people knew how they worked and what consequences they brought along. These drugs are derived from the white, milky substance that can be separated from the poppy plant's unripe seeds. This substance would dry into a sticky, brown gum that could and would be eaten. Over time, people discovered that instead of eating the extracted opium, they could smoke it. This produced a very strong high, or euphoric feeling. During the Civil War, morphine (a derivative of opium) use got way out of hand. Although it was obviously addictive, it worked extremely well for war wounds and fast-paced action, so the addictive qualities were swept under the rug. Finally, scientists went back to work and produced time-released opiate medications like Vicadin and Oxycontin. If these medications are only used for a short period of time and are not abused, they can act very well as pain relief. However, these drugs are widely and highly abused, and usually result in a serious addiction.

Having an opiate drug addiction is a serious health risk. When this drug abuse occurs, a “high” is achieved, which is the main attraction for the drug addiction abuse. Because of the addiction to opiates, the user ignore all of the negative consequences that can occur. Opiate addiction can cause respiratory failure, high blood pressure, heart attack, coma, and even death. Many individuals who suffer from this drug addiction also suffer extreme psychological dependence and problems because of opiates. They may feel the need to take opiates just to feel normal.

This addiction, like most, is not curable. However, through the right treatment center, any addiction can be worked with. Any individual can overcome their dependence, either chemical or psychological or both, on drugs and alcohol. Statistics show that relapse is very common for individuals with an opiate addiction. Relapse is never anyone's fault, and it only encourages the abuser to remember why they need to live a sober life. Many addicts do not want to go to treatment because they are dreading the withdrawal. However, withdrawal is rarely fatal, just extremely uncomfortable. For those who need it, medications such as methadone or Suboxone are available to help lessen the pain and uncomfortability of withdrawal. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction to opiates, you are not alone. There are many out there just like you who are getting help for their problem. Join them!