Opiates are drugs that are also known as narcotics. They comprise profound pain relievers like tramadol, hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol and fentanyl. Also, the common drug, heroin, is an opioid.
Not all opioids are produced from the opium plant, some of them are synthetic. However, they all produce far-reaching effects.
Under normal circumstances, a doctor can prescribe opioids to reduce the pain you are feeling when you have had a surgery or an injury. As a matter of fact, opioids are most times recommended for chronic pain.
Opiates are abused when they are taken more frequently than they should. Someone who takes opiates more than the normal prescription. When there is a regular pattern of opiates abuse, it can cause a full-fledged addiction which is usually challenging to overcome if there is no medical assistance.
When opiates abuse is detected early, it is one proficient way to stop an addiction from springing up. It is important to know how to identify those who have opiates abuse problem, and there are some behavioral and physical warning signs that should be looked out for.
Common behavioral and physical signs:
- Itchy skin
- Impulsive actions
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Mood swings
- Visiting several doctors to obtain more prescriptions
Once the opiates disorder has been confirmed, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
The short-term side effects of opiates are dependent on the drug type, the volume of substance taken and the method of administration. There is no fixed time for how the effects of these drugs are because they can range from minutes to several hours.
Short-term side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Weight loss
- Hallucinations
- Impaired judgment
- Shallow and slowed breathing
The long-term effects of opioids abuse induces damaging effects to the vital organs of the body.
Below are the long-term side effects/long term complications of opiates
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Damage to the liver
- Damage to the vein
- Chronic constipation
In addition to these listed long-term effects, there are other health complications of opiates use. And it is important to seek help as promptly as possible.
