Encyclopedia

What are Opioids/Opiates?

The unripe seedpods of the opium poppy plant are used to make the narcotic drug, opium. Opiates and opioids are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are different in how they are made and where they come from. Opiates come from the opium poppy plant, which grows naturally. Opioids are chemical compounds, synthetically produced in a lab to have the same effects as natural opiates. Both compounds interact with opioid receptors in the brain.

 

 

Opioids relieve pain, modify mood and may cause dependence, and alter breathing. The interaction of opioids and their receptors increases the threshold of cell signaling for the feeling of pain. As a result, if there is damage to the cells, our brain senses less pain. The same receptors in different parts of our brains are responsible for the feeling of joy. In normal circumstances, these receptors are activated by naturally produced pain-relievers called endorphins.

 

Opiates are pain-relieving substances that mimic the natural opioids to treat pain. These substances can also make people feel high, which could lead to substance use issues. Often to treat their pain and discomfort, people can be given opioids in many forms, such as medical heroin, codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone.

 

Opioids Use: Immediate Effects

The following are possible immediate side-effects of opioid use:

●      Constipation

●      Sleepiness

●      Vomiting and nausea 

●      Feeling high

●      Headaches, light-headedness, and confusion, which may lead to injury from trips and falls

●      Respiratory problems, which are the most concerning side effects, involve repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions occur when the muscles at the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, or when the muscles responsible for expanding the chest to breathe do not function properly.

 

Opioid Use: Long-term Effects

The following are possible long-term adverse effects of opioid use:

●      Dependence on opioids

●      Liver injury

●      Female infertility

●      Increase in feelings of pain

●      Increased tolerance

This can lead to people taking larger amounts of opioids, which can increase the chance of depressing the respiratory system.

Also, babies born to mothers who use opioids experience issues like:

●      Low birth weight

●      Respiratory distress

●      Premature birth

●      Cognitive and behavioural difficulties

Chronic opium use can change the brain's reward, stress, and executive-control systems. These changes can impact people’s daily lives and how they experience things like pleasure and joy, and can lead to negative emotions like depression, stress, and anxiety. Chronic opium use can also make it harder for individuals to control their behaviours like anger, sadness and happiness. In other instances, people use drugs to self-treat a mental illness or a chronic pain. Over time, long-term drug use can lead to a substance use disorder, which can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes down the line.

 

Be Cautious!

If an opioid medication has been prescribed to you, you should be mindful of following the instructions of your prescription. Avoid opioids if you haven't been prescribed the medication, and do not combine them with alcohol or other drugs (except as prescribed). Ensure that no one else is consuming opioid medication that has been prescribed to you, as it is unsafe and unlawful. To avoid theft, inappropriate usage, or unintentional exposure, unused opioid medications should always be kept out of sight, reach, and sight of children and pets. To avoid any possibility of illicit use and to avoid contaminating the environment, medications that are no longer needed or that have expired should be returned to a pharmacist for safe disposal.

 

Let's Talk Overdose

Taking an opioid in excess can result in an overdose. Opioids have an impact on the area of the brain that controls breathing. Because of how they work in the body, opioids can make it hard to breathe. Your breathing slows down when you consume more opioids than your body can manage, which could lead to loss of consciousness, and may also lead to death in some cases. According to World Health Organization, approximately 500,000 deaths worldwide are a result of substance use. A higher number of individuals are suffering from its side effects. Treatment interventions for opioid dependence can reduce overdose risk. Still, less than 10 percent of people who need such treatment receive it.

Treatment may not be accessible or an option for everyone, but alternative interventions are available to prevent opioid-related fatalities. One of these interventions involves the use of a medication called naloxone. Naloxone has the ability to temporarily counteract the effects of opioids, providing a window of opportunity for paramedics to reach the scene. Administered promptly, naloxone can effectively avert deaths caused by opioid overdoses. It is available at no cost in most pharmacies.

 

You run the risk of overdose by taking an opioid that has not been prescribed to you or using a larger opioid dosage than has been prescribed to you. Also, illicit opioids significantly increase your chance of overdose, because they might not be pure or dosed correctly. The impurity can make the body’s response unpredictable. Combining an opioid with additional depressants, such as sleeping aids (benzodiazepines) and alcohol increases the risks of experiencing adverse effects.

 

Help for substance use disorder

No matter what the circumstances– whether you're seeking support for a friend, family member, or even for yourself – it's important to know that help is within reach. If you're facing challenges related to substance use, you don't have to go through it alone. Consulting your doctor is a good place to start. They can offer helpful direction and assistance based on your unique needs. Never forget that asking for assistance is a brave step toward a happier and healthier future.