Opiates include morphine and its synthetic derivatives, such as heroin and codeine. They are medically used to relieve pain, but because tolerance and dependency can be side effects, their usage is strictly controlled. All opiates are narcotic analgesics and have the risk of psychological addiction along with physical addiction.
After using the drug for an extended time, the nerve cells in the brain, which would produce natural painkillers, cease to function normally because of the opiate that it is receiving. Patients prescribed opiates as their pain medication include those that are chronic pain suffers, surgical patients, sickle-cell patients and cancer patients.
Recreational users may take opiates in a manner to achieve a “high” or rush. They usually chew, crush, break or inject the drug. These uses can lead to addiction and dependence.
No one person can be blamed for “creating” an addictive personality. Nevertheless, family members do exert powerful influences over factors that both maintain and accelerate the addiction cycle. How a family responds to a loved one with vulnerability to drug use, for example, can both prevent and stop addiction, according to a study published by […]
It’s natural to worry, especially during stressful times. For some people, worries and fears may consume their thoughts, making it difficult to live a normal life. Anxiety Disorders There are three types of anxiety disorders; these illnesses are among the most common mental health conditions. A person may have generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder or […]
It’s a widely accepted fact today that addiction is a complex disease that cannot be overcome with just good intentions. Recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs is a rough road to travel. It’s one that usually needs an integrated, evidence-based approach . This is provided by an experienced, skilled team of experts in this field. (more…)
The truth is that a life of substance abuse and addiction is no life at all. The constant emotional, physical and financial stress takes a toll. Relationships are damaged. If you are completely honest, you know that addiction makes life miserable. If you feel this tension right now, know you are not alone. As hard […]
Natural opiates harvested from the poppy plant are chemically similar to synthetic versions created in a lab. However, both are addictive when taken for the wrong reasons. There are slight variations among natural and synthetic versions of the drug mostly relating to a drug’s effectiveness and strength. Opiates vs. Opium Opium comes from the milky fluid that […]
Not all opiates are illegal although all of them are federally controlled. Opiates, or opioids, are powerful painkillers with strong addictive potential making it necessary to use them with extreme caution. Forms of Opiates Opiates come in natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic forms. The oldest opiate is opium, which is made from the milky fluid that […]
Hiding substance abuse is one way addicts try to appear healthy, but people cannot hide addiction forever. The consequences of drug abuse eventually threaten one’s way of life, so you can recognize this issue if you know what to look for. (more…)
Seeing a loved one wrestle with opiate addiction is a confusing and frustrating experience, but it’s particularly painful when that person is your child. As a mother, your instincts are to nurture and care for your child. But if your loving support is actually promoting your child’s continued drug abuse, what then? (more…)
When you use drugs and alcohol together the risks increase for accidental overdose and even death. The reason for this is that depressants—such as alcohol and opiate drugs—slow down the central nervous system. This is the system that controls bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, respirations and response times. Overuse of alcohol can […]
There are many different thoughts about opiate abuse. Some of these thoughts about opiates are perceived to be true but are really myths. One of the most common uses for opiates is in the area of pain relief. There are several kinds of prescription opiates such as Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet, Kadian, and Avinza. One of […]
