Opiate abuse is a deadly addiction

Opiate abuse is a deadly addiction that calls for intense treatment

- by Charlie Graham

One of the fastest growing areas of treatment has been recovery from dependence upon opioids. Opioids include:

  • narcotics
  • analgesics
  • opium
  • morphine
  • heroin
  • codeine
  • methadone
  • Demerol
  • Dilaudid
  • Percodan
  • Vicodin
  • OxyContin
  • other pain killers

The term “opiate” comes from the Greek word, opion, which refers to poppy juice “joy” plant. Ancient civilizations knew of its pain relieving properties and also its dependence and withdrawal problems.

Withdrawal effects are caused by cessation of opiod use and abuse that has been heavy and prolonged that includes at least three of the following symptoms:

  • dysphoric mood
  • nausea
  • muscle aches
  • lacrimation
  • papillary dilation
  • sweating
  • yawning
  • anxiety
  • runny nose
  • insomnia

The term “kicking heroin” comes from the extreme muscle aches, cramps, and involuntary contractions of leg muscles during withdrawal from opiates.

Categories of Opiates

There are three different categories of opiates. The opiate group includes opium and opiate derivatives which are obtained from the Oriental poppy and synthetic drugs that have similar physiological and behavioral actions to opium.

The first category, natural opiates, is obtained directly from opium, like morphine and codeine. This alkaloid is obtained by drying the milky discharge of the cut, unripe seed of the opium poppy that appears after petals fall. The milky discharge is dried in the air to form a brown, gummy paste as opium.
The second category of opiates, semisynthetic opiates which are chemically created derivatives of opium or codeine such as heroin, dilaudid from morphine, and percodan from codeine.

The third category, synthetic opiates, are chemically synthesized analgesics with effects similar to morphine including methadone, Demerol, Darvon, Vicodine, Oxycontin, and Fentanyl.

Seeking Help for Opioid Addiction

It is important to get treatment for opiate dependence as soon as possible from a drug treatment facility such as The Landing. The addiction experts at The Landing have years of expertise in treating opiate addiction.

Although withdrawal from opiates is not fatal, the pain and discomfort may be so severe that the person may wish they were dead.

The major hazard at this point is relapse to ease withdrawal symptoms. The supportive environment, medication management, and psychological support at The Landing and it’s parent facility Sober Living by the Sea provides many options that can be personalized for every individual including Celebrate Recovery Christ-centered care.  Developing constructive coping strategies is a key to continued sobriety. We urge you to call us for more information: 877-235-6134.

READ PART II of Tolerance, Tissue Dependence, and Withdrawal from Opiates

-Charlie Graham

Charlie Graham is the Director of the Celebrate Recovery Program at Sober Living by the Sea and The Landing.