Opiates are drugs that affect the opioid receptors in the human body. They are used to relieve pain and dull the senses. However, they can be addictive and can lead to overdose. People who use these drugs should call 911 immediately if they believe they are overdosing. Opiates can also cause a feeling of euphoria, which can be very dangerous. Opiates can cause an overdose.

Common opiates

Most people have heard about opiate use in the news. However, they may not know how these drugs got their name, how they were introduced to the U.S., and what the symptoms of opiate addiction are. Opiates are natural drugs derived from the poppy plant. Synthetic and semi-synthetic opiates are produced in laboratories and mimic opium's effects. Opioids are available in many different forms, including morphine, oxycodone, and codeine, but they are classified as narcotics.

Common opiates include codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl. These drugs are used for pain relief and are abused by teenagers, who mix them with sugary drinks or juices to create a purple drank or syrup. In addition to codeine, fentanyl and oxycodone are more potent opioids, but they can be highly addictive.

Synthetic opiates

Synthetic opiates are potent synthetic drugs that are available on the internet. They are often used in combination with other recreational drugs, such as cocaine, marijuana, or ecstasy. They have become a public health threat in many countries, causing severe intoxication and even death. However, conventional drug tests do not detect these drugs. As they are often associated with polyabuse, research on the safety and effectiveness of synthetic opiates is needed.

Several synthetic opioids are stronger than morphine. The fentanyl and carfentanil are much stronger and have found their way into the drug supply. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, synthetic opioids have led to a 73 percent increase in deaths from overdose. Often, painkiller addiction begins by accident, usually after surgery or other painful recovery. Users often become addicted to the drug's euphoric effects, which can be dangerous.

Man made opiates

Opioids are the most common drugs in use today. They come from the plant opium and share the same chemical structure as the natural drug. They all have the same effects, including drowsiness, impaired breathing, and a slow heart rate. Opiates are also prone to developing physical and mental health problems, including rheumatological conditions, blood diseases, and a variety of infections. But, despite their popularity, many people struggle with an addiction to man-made opiates.

Medications derived from opium are also known as man-made opiates. One of the most commonly prescribed opiate drugs is methadone, which was originally developed for use in medical heroin addiction treatment. Methadone has many side effects, including pinpoint pupils, decreased pain tolerance, and gastrointestinal problems. To make things worse, a person who is addicted to opiates is prone to developing an addiction to them.

Effects of opiates

Opioid addiction can be devastating to anyone of any age, gender, or income. Opioid abuse is especially damaging, causing upwards of 70,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2017. Of these, 68% were caused by opiates and nearly four thousand by narcotics. Those who have an opioid addiction often experience withdrawal symptoms, such as body tremors, increased heart rate, and fever. Other symptoms may include depressed mood and agitation.

One of the most devastating side effects of opiate abuse is an impaired pain tolerance. The user no longer has the ability to deal with pain without the illegal drug or medication. Mood disorders can also occur, causing intense mood swings and severe depression. This can lead to brain damage and relapse in recovering users. It is important to remember that opiate addiction is highly addictive. While some of the side effects of opiates are not immediately noticeable, the long-term effects of opiate abuse are often severe.

Symptoms of opiate withdrawal

The physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms from opiate use vary in intensity depending on the dosage and sudden stopping of the drug. The duration of these symptoms also depends on the type of opioid that a person used. Short-acting opioids usually produce the most intense symptoms in a shorter period of time while long-acting opiates produce the most uncomfortable symptoms for up to 24 hours. Short-acting opiates typically produce symptoms six to 12 hours after the last dose, while long-acting opiates take as long as 30 hours to develop.

The psychological effects of opiate withdrawal peak about 8 to 10 hours after the last dose. At this time, an opiate addict may experience intense cravings for the drug, and a feeling of restlessness or heightened irritability is common. The physical withdrawal symptoms will also become more intense now. A person may experience nausea, vomiting, fever, hot flashes, and body aches. Some people experience insomnia and poor concentration.