Opiates Drug Facts

Opiates (OPI) are synthetic derivatives extracted from opium poppy seeds. Most synthetic opiates have a unique chemical structure, but they have the same relaxing effect on the brain when taken in considerable amounts. They act directly on the central nervous system and work on the pain receptors to respond differently to the pain related to injury or internal problems. Some of the most common opiates include Oxycodone, Hydroxycodone, Methadone, 6-MAM, etc.

Table Of Contents:

• Opiates Abuse
• Symptoms of Opiate Addiction
• Opiate Abuse Effects
• Opiate Detection
• Treatment
• First Aid

Opiates Abuse

Taking opiates for a long time, even the prescribed amount, will make the nerves resistant to the drugs, creating an artificial need to increase intake. Increasing the amount of the drug may lead to dependency and, in the future, would make the person addicted to the drug. The U.S government had listed all the opiates except 6-MAM under schedule II and III of the Controlled Substances Act. 6-MAM is listed under Schedule I. A standard 5 panel drug test can trace your abuse of natural opiates. Synthetic opiates might show up in a 10 or 12 panel drug test.

Symptoms of Opiate Addiction

If you suspect your friend or family member is addicted to opiates, observe these signs that would help you to take your loved ones to the hospital at the earliest. Some of the common symptoms of opiate abusers are

• Cannot socialize with your friends
• Spending more lonely time
• Lack of responsibilities 
• Not doing daily chores properly
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite 
• Suddenly feeling over-energetic
• Nervous breakdown
• Mood swings
• Insomnia 
• Legal and economic troubles

Opiate Abuse Effects

• Drug dependency
• Depression
• Sleeplessness
• Stomach and abdomen pain
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Shaking of motor organs
• Fever

Opiate Detection

Opiates like 6-MAM and oxycodone can stay in your system for more than a week, and hence it can get detected in urine and hair drug tests even after the effects have worn off. Use a personal home-based PDT-90 hair drug testing kit to detect the drug levels before taking your hair drug test.

Treatment

Detoxification will be the first line of treatment for the abusers, but if the drug levels are higher, you will need inpatient treatment to treat the withdrawal symptoms.

First Aid

If you come across any person you think maybe in an opioid overdose, follow these steps immediately.

• Gently tap, move, or shout at the individual. If you do not receive any response, rub your knuckles on that individual’s breastbone.
• If the person responds, keep him awake and call 911 immediately.