Opioids: effects and abuse
Lets start by trying to understand what opioids are. Opioids are medication that is well known for their analgesic and pain relieving nature. Kadian, Avinza, codeine and oxycodone are Morphines, which are in turn opioids. Opioids like morphine are used to alleviate pain that is very severe before or after surgeries. Though opioids are mainly used for severe pain, they can also be used for mild pain relief and also to cure cough and diarrhea.
The way opioids work is they attach themselves to certain proteins in the body called opioids receptors. These receptors are found in the brain, spinal cord and gastrointestinal tract. When opioids get attached to these receptors they trick the brain into thinking there is no pain, and hence the body will feel no pain because the mind is actually blocking the pain. Opioids when used in a certain manner can give feelings of exhilaration and pleasure. This normally happens when the drug is either snorted or injected into the body, because these are not the normal ways in which opioids are to be taken. Though there is a feeling of ecstasy when these opioids are taken in this manner, they can be seriously harmful and damaging to the body especially to the respiratory system in case of an overdose.
The abuse of opioids sets in when the manner in which the opioids are taken is abused. If the person uses opioids by snorting it or injecting it into the body, this is abuse. This abuse causes the person to feel pleasure. To feel this pleasure, most people become addicted to opioids. In case the person who is addicted to opioids wants to get off it, he/ she can experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are manifested in the form of anxiety, severe pain of bones and muscles, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting and cold flashes. If the person has overdosed on opioids he/she is putting themselves at a serious risk as it affects the respiratory system and can result in death.
As a rule, opioids should never be used with any other substance. Some opioids can be used in combination with other substances but under careful supervision from doctors or physicians. The substances that should not be combined with opioids are alcohol, general anesthetics, antihistamines or benzodiazepines.
Home treatment for detoxification
There are several ways in which opiate patients can be treated. There are inpatient rehabilitation or treatment centers or there are outpatient or home treatment programs. Most people prefer home treatment programs. A visit with a doctor is how most of these treatments begin. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination of the patient either at home or at the clinic. This is accompanied by an interview, which is usually to determine what kind of treatment can be given to the patient. A dose of suboxone may be administered to the patient at the end of the initial visit with the doctor. Suboxone is an important aspect of the treatment of opiate addiction.
After the administering of suboxone to the patient, the patient has to be under scrutiny for almost 72 hours. This is preferably done away from the family of the patient and in a different environment. This is called the respite period for both the patient and his/her family.
Over the next 30 days of the treatment the patient is in constant touch with doctors and psychologists over the telephone or through email. After a certain amount of time the patient is slowly taken off suboxone. This is done with extreme care so that there is no relapse for the patient.
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Information on this page last updated on 10/16/2007