An opiate is any type of drug which is derived from the opium plant. Opiates are used in the medical field to provide pain relief and induce sleep. The opiate group includes the drugs morphine, codeine, heroin (morphine derivative) and laudanum. In the United States, opiate drugs are available only by prescription and considered as a controlled substance.

Opiate addiction is a serious problem in the United States; recent studies have found that many drug users are switching to opiate drugs in lieu of heroin, because of increased purity and because of the misconception about this medication being safer. Abusing opiates can cause dangerous health problems which include spontaneous abortion, collapsed veins, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis for those who inject the drug, and even fatality from overdose.

Opiates are a central nervous system depressant which results in a slowdown of the brain and body. People who abuse opiates exhibit a variety of signs and symptoms which include slurred speech, sluggishness, tiredness, going in and out of deep sleep, have difficulty standing or sitting up straight and appear very relaxed and oblivious to things going on around them. During a 'high' period, under the influence of opiates a person will appear to be in a trance-like state and unable to function and keep their eyes open, the pupils can even be 'pinpoint' or extremely constricted.

The symptoms of opiate abuse can be easily recognized, particularly when it is in the early stages. Tolerance builds up over time and the addict needs more opiate medication to feed the addiction. If someone begins to behave in ways that are not normal, the change in behavior and personality may be enough to raise suspicion and warrant further concern. The exact effects of opiate addiction will depend on which opiate is being used, the dose or amount being taken and the method used for ingestion. Opiate medication slows the breathing and heart rate, depresses appetite, thirst and sexual desires, and the person will display an increased tolerance to pain.

If a person stops taking the opiate medication abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can begin within 4-6 hours. Withdrawal symptoms include sweating, abdominal cramping, nausea, mood swings, diarrhea, shaking and insomnia. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms is directly related to how long the drug was being used and in what amount. Symptoms of withdrawal are strongest in the first two or three days and can last for up to ten days in duration.

Opiates are a highly addictive drug and recovery from opiate addiction may require a treatment program ranging from inpatient to outpatient treatment, detoxification, therapy and counseling. When the right treatment is provided a person with an addiction to opiates can get the help they desperately need and reclaim a life of purpose and sobriety once again.

If you or someone you know, if suffering from an addiction to opiate medication, there is help available. Contact the admissions office of Transformations Treatment Center today for further information.