Opium based drugs, such as opioid type medications that doctors prescribe to help alleviate painful ailments can be addicting. Opium is known for its natural pain relieving effects, but it is also very addictive. Heroin is another highly addictive drug that contains opium, however, it has no medicinal purpose in the United States, and it is illegally made and distributed.
If you or a loved one are using any of these drugs, legally or illegally, you must become aware of their addictive potential. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioid type drugs have the following health consequences; slowed or arrested breathing, lowered pulse and blood pressure, tolerance, addiction, unconsciousness, coma, and death. The risk of death increases when opioids are used with other substances, such as alcohol or stimulants.
Signs That You May be Addicted
Opiate drugs all are known to be addictive.
Both synthetic and natural opiates have addictive properties, some more so than others. The most commonly abused opioid type drug is heroin. If you or a loved one have been using any type of opioid drug for a while, chances are you have developed tolerance and dependence for the drug. This can lead to addiction. Some signs that you may be addicted to these drugs can include:
- If you need higher doses to get the same initial effect, then you have developed tolerance. Addiction can quickly set in if you do not get treatment
- You become irritated and hostile if you do not have access to the drug.
- You are using it in other ways than prescribed, such as crushing pills to smoke, snort or inject the drug
- The drug is taken more often than necessary
- Occupied with the thought of getting more of the drug
- Withdrawing from activities with family or close friends
- Mood swings
- Feeling depressed or anxious
- You tried stopping but craved it too much, so you continued taking the drug
- Stealing to buy more of the drug
- Loss interest in maintaining physical appearance or hygiene
- Loss of appetite
- Suicidal thoughts
Signs of physical dependence may vary by drug, the amount taken, and the length of time using. Some people may show other signs not listed here. In most cases, if you suspect that you are addicted to drug then treatment should be sought as soon as possible to avoid negative consequences.
Getting Help If You Are Addicted to Opium Based Drugs
The sooner you seek treatment for addiction to any drug, the better it will be for improving your health both physically and psychologically. Some drugs are stronger than others and can cause more damaging effects on the mind and body. Do not let drugs control your life and ruin loving relationships with family or friends. Some drugs can be so dangerous, that the results can be fatal.
Where to Get Treatment
Becoming addicted to opium based drugs is a serious matter that must be addressed immediately. By contacting a treatment center for substance abuse and addiction, you can start on a recovery program that can soon help you get your life back on track, and be healthy and happier again – without the need of drugs.
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