OPIATE BASICS




Overview



Opiates are primarily central nervous system (CNS) depressants and narcotic analgesics derived from Opium, the milky latex fluid in the unripened seed pod of the opium poppy (papaver somniferum). The use of opiates typically creates physical as well as psychological dependence and tolerance.

Opium contains a number of different alkaloids. But only one family of alkaloids, the phemanthrene alkaloids, can be converted to narcotic substances. It is this addictive family of opium alkaloids and their derivatives that are controlled by national and international law. From this family comes morphine, codeine and thebaine - the natural opiates. The semi-synthetic opiates; heroin, hydromorphone, hydrodone, oxycodone are then derived from these substances.

Effects of Opiates

The general effects of narcotic analgesics include: sedation, slowed reflexes, raspy speech, sluggish "rubber-like" movements, slowed breathing, cold skin and possible vomiting. However, as a user continues to abuse narcotic analgesics, they develop a tolerance to the drug that causes their effects to diminish. For example, Heroin, which is a very strong narcotic depressant, may destroy the users' ability to reason. Its synthetic form, known as "designer drug" are even more dangerous and addictive. If the abuser wishes to maintain the same effect, he or she will have to take steadily larger doses as the tolerance develops.

Heroin



Heroin ("smack", "junk", "dope") is very popular semi-synthetic opiate drug of abuse. Heroin can come in a white or brownish powder (sometimes grainy) or a dark brown substance (sometimes sticky) known as tar.

Heroin bought on the street almost always contains "cuts" (adulterants) and is rarely pure. Because Heroin has a street value of its own, it is not used as a "cut" for Ecstasy pills.

Use

Heroin is snorted, "chased" (smoked), or injected. When injected, all of the heroin enters the blood stream at once, increasing the risk of overdose. Snorting and "chasing" can also lead to an overdose.

History



Heroin was first synthesized from Morphine by chemist C.R. Alder Wright in London in 1877, but its potential was not recognized. In 1897 Bayer immediately recognized its potential and began marketing it heavily for the treatment of a variety of respiratory ailments and began exporting it all over the world.

By the early 1900's doctors and pharmacists begin noticing that patients are consuming large amounts of heroin containing cough remedies. In 1906 the Pure Food and Drug Act was passed, regulating the labeling of products containing Alcohol, Opiates, Cocaine and Cannabis, among others. In 1911 the British Pharmaceutical Codex noted that heroin was as addictive as morphine and by 1913 Bayer stopped producing heroin. The Heroin Act passed in 1924, making manufacture and possession of heroin illegal in the U.S.

From 1965-1970 U.S. involvement was Vietnam was blamed for the surge in illegal heroin being smuggled into the States and by 1971 between 10-15% of American servicemen in Vietnam were addicted to heroin.



Risks
  • Addiction is a risk of heroin use, whether you are snorting, "chasing", or injecting.
  • Because purity and individual tolerance vary, overdose is a risk.
  • Sharing injection equipment runs the risk of HIV and Hepatitis infection.
  • Heroin injectors also run the risk of bacterial infection.
  • Possession and sale of heroin can carry stiff penalties including incarceration and loss of student aid.


The Law

Heroin is DEA schedule 1. This is defined federally as a drug which:
  • Has a high potential for abuse.
  • Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
  • A lack of accepted safety for use of the drug under medical supervision.

Federal penalties for heroin trafficking can be found at the DEA site.

Effects of Heroin

Heroin users often report feelings of warmth, well being, euphoria, and contentment. Since opiates are painkillers, heroin can reduce or eliminate pain. It can also lead to unconsciousness.

Short-term effects:
  • Rush
  • Depressed respiration
  • Clouded mental functioning
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Suppression of pain

After the initial effects, the heroin user usually will become drowsy for several hours. Their mental functions are clouded by heroin's effect on the central nervous system. Cardiac functions and breathing slow down. Overdosing may cause respiratory failure and even death. A heroin overdose is a particular risk on the street, where the purity and amount of the drug cannot be accurately known.

Long-term effects:
  • Addiction
  • Abscesses
  • Collapsed veins
  • Bacterial infections
  • Infection of heart lining and valves
  • Arthritis and other rheumatologic problems
  • Infectious diseases, for example, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C from using contaminated needles


Heroin Dependence and Withdrawal
As higher doses are used over time, physical dependence develops. This means the addict must use more heroin to achieve the same intensity or effect. The body has adapted to the presence of heroin and withdrawal symptoms may occur if use is abruptly reduced or stopped. Withdrawal symptoms may occur within a few hours after the last time of usage. Major withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose of heroin and subside after about a week. However, some people have shown persistent withdrawal signs for many months.

Symptoms Of Heroin Withdrawal:
  • dilated pupils
  • goose bumps (cold turkey)
  • watery eyes
  • runny nose
  • uncontrolled leg movements (kicking the habit)
  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • cold sweats
  • tremors
  • panic
  • chills
  • nausea
  • muscle cramps
  • insomnia

Heroin Addiction

During the time of continuous heroin use, a person can become addicted to the drug. Some addicted individuals even endure many of the withdrawal symptoms to reduce their tolerance for the drug so that they can again experience the rush. Physical dependence and the emergence of withdrawal symptoms were once believed to be the key features of heroin addiction. This may not be entirely correct. For example, patients with chronic pain who need opiates to function over extended periods, often have few problems stopping their use of opiates. The patient in pain is simply seeking relief of pain and not the "rush" sought by the addict personality type.



Heroin Harm Reduction Tips

  • It is possible to overdose on heroin by itself, although most drug overdoses occur when a person is using more than one substance or using after a break. If you are using from a new bag or if you have not used in awhile, use a small test amount before using more.
  • If someone stops breathing, has no pulse, or turns blue call 911 immediately. Tell the 911 operator- "someone has stopped breathing" and began artificial breathing. Because there are antidotes to opiate overdoses, when the paramedics arrive tell them exactly what the person used.
  • It is important to use a sterile syringe and clean injecting equipment. Use clean water when preparing to inject, and a clean surface to prepare your shot on. Clean the injection site with an alcohol pad or anti-bacterial soap. Don't share needles, cookers, cotton filters, water, or alcohol pads.


Copyright © RECOVERY ESSENTIALS™, 2003