How Opiate Addiction Can Happen?

Opium, which is the dried sap harvested from the seed of opium poppy plants, has been used for thousands of years to treat and manage pain. Today, it can be used by itself or synthesized to create various types of opiate drugs. More than 15 million people worldwide use illegal opiates – and, in the U.S., over two million people are addicted to prescription opiates. 

Opiates are the natural alkaloids found in the resin of the poppy seed. Opioids are the chemicals extracted from the resin. Commonly used opiates include Morphine, Heroin, Codeine, Vicodin, Oxycontin (Oxycodone), Percocet, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Subutex or Suboxone, and Methadone. Although some opiates are prescribed medically, they are also available as street drugs, which are non-regulated and therefore may contain harmful levels of toxic substances. While codeine is the most widely used opiate in the world, heroin is the most lethal, and the most abused. Opiate Addiction Help St. Pete Beach Florida.

When an opiate enters the bloodstream, it activates the opiate receptors throughout the body. Once it reaches the brain, it binds to specific opiate receptors that affect pleasure and pain relief. The stimulation of these pleasure receptors causes more significant amounts of dopamine to be released, producing a feeling of euphoria and contentment. However, the brain organically produces endorphins that activate these same opiate receptors, so prolonged opiate use can disrupt the body’s natural pain and pleasure response, which leads to dependency and addiction.

Often times if you are new to recovery you do not know what addiction is? Heroin is usually taken by intravenous or intramuscular injection, and penetrates the brain more quickly, which is why many addicts prefer it to other opiates. Although most opioids are prescribed in pill form, buprenorphine is taken sublingually, and morphine can be used in patch form.

Side Effects of Opiates:

The physical side effects of opiates can include sweating, drowsiness, constipation, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, rashes or hives, reduced sex drive, vertigo, pinpoint pupils, low blood pressure, liver damage, and edema.

Opiates also significantly decrease respiratory activity. When taken in excessive amounts they can cause a person to stop breathing. Since heroin is usually injected, it can lead to other serious health problems acquired through transmission of blood-borne diseases, such as HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis C.

One of the most dangerous results of opiate use can be an accidental overdose. When used regularly for a prescribed period of time as a treatment following trauma or injury, opiates create a level of tolerance in the user. After prolonged use, increased doses are required to achieve the same results, causing the user to desire or use more than the prescribed dose. Additionally, what may be an acceptable dose under medical supervision for one user can be a lethal dose to a non-tolerant user, resulting in an overdose. Opiate Addiction Help St. Pete Beach Florida.

There are also severe side effects associated with opiate withdrawal, including tremors, sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, head and body aches, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, and hot flashes. Therefore, opiates should never be discontinued without medical supervision.

At Transformations By The Gulf, we understand how opiate addiction can take over your life. We tailor individual, an innovative treatment that will address your needs – body, mind, and spirit – so you can get your life back on track. Your individualized drug treatment program might include outpatient detox, individual therapy, group therapy, holistic therapy, and boating therapy and a wide array of adjunct treatment services designed to ensure you receive world-class addiction treatment and achieve sustained recovery. Call us now and let’s get started on a sober life 727-498-6498