Opiate Addiction Gaining Ground
Opium is derived from the poppy flower which contains 12 percent morphine. This morphine is processed to produce heroin, whose potency doubles to that of morphine. Though opium poppies have been cultivated since ancient times to provide pain relief, it is now widely used for the illegal drug trade.
Opiate addiction , of which heroin is the key player, has been increasing alarmingly. Prescription painkillers which are mainly opiate based, have also seen a dependency increase. Though most users are not technically classified as drug addicts, its' addictive nature is so high that 10 percent of physicians who prescribe them are themselves dependent.
Opioids, meanwhile, are synthetic opiates designed to emulate opium but are chemically different. Their relief giving properties are virtually the same with opiates. If abused, opioids and opiates provide euphoric effects and sedation. They can be taken orally, smoked, snorted and injected, the last being the preferred way as it gives the strongest and fastest high.
Treatment for opioid addiction and opiate addiction is long and difficult due to its highly addictive nature. For some, treatment begins with detoxification which can be quite grueling as the withdrawal symptoms include agitation, anxiety, tremors, muscle aches, hot and cold flashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Treatment will also include medication through the use of methadone and behavioural counselling. Though controversial, methadone as a maintenance treatment has high scientific support than other treatment for any drug or alcohol addiction. Addicts who switch from opioids to methadone are less likely to be depressed, commit crimes, contract HV/AIDS and are more likely to hold jobs and maintain family life. This replacement therapy can also be done with buprenorphine, a more recent drug. It is important to note that opioid addiction and opiate addiction is difficult to overcome without replacement therapy and most addicts tend to relapse.
If you feel you may be becoming dependent on opiates or opioids, seek immediate help. Don't tell yourself you can overcome it alone, as you can get addicted to them before you realize it. Go to a counselor and register yourself with a rehab centre, specializing in opiate addiction. Be ready for a difficult and at times, long treatment procedure. The first step is recognition and acceptance. Console yourself with the fact that treatment can help you fight addiction.
Opiate addiction , of which heroin is the key player, has been increasing alarmingly. Prescription painkillers which are mainly opiate based, have also seen a dependency increase. Though most users are not technically classified as drug addicts, its' addictive nature is so high that 10 percent of physicians who prescribe them are themselves dependent.
Opioids, meanwhile, are synthetic opiates designed to emulate opium but are chemically different. Their relief giving properties are virtually the same with opiates. If abused, opioids and opiates provide euphoric effects and sedation. They can be taken orally, smoked, snorted and injected, the last being the preferred way as it gives the strongest and fastest high.
Treatment for opioid addiction and opiate addiction is long and difficult due to its highly addictive nature. For some, treatment begins with detoxification which can be quite grueling as the withdrawal symptoms include agitation, anxiety, tremors, muscle aches, hot and cold flashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Treatment will also include medication through the use of methadone and behavioural counselling. Though controversial, methadone as a maintenance treatment has high scientific support than other treatment for any drug or alcohol addiction. Addicts who switch from opioids to methadone are less likely to be depressed, commit crimes, contract HV/AIDS and are more likely to hold jobs and maintain family life. This replacement therapy can also be done with buprenorphine, a more recent drug. It is important to note that opioid addiction and opiate addiction is difficult to overcome without replacement therapy and most addicts tend to relapse.
If you feel you may be becoming dependent on opiates or opioids, seek immediate help. Don't tell yourself you can overcome it alone, as you can get addicted to them before you realize it. Go to a counselor and register yourself with a rehab centre, specializing in opiate addiction. Be ready for a difficult and at times, long treatment procedure. The first step is recognition and acceptance. Console yourself with the fact that treatment can help you fight addiction.
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