opiates

Opiates are constituents or derivatives of constituents found in opium, which is processed from the latex sap of the opium poppy. Morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine, heroin, oxycodone, and hydrocodone are derived from these substances. Most opiates are used medically as highly potent painkillers, and many of them are extremely addictive as tolerance builds quickly. Withdrawal from opiates can be very severe, and those who are attempting to quit opiate use should undergo medically monitored detox.



Articles Related to opiates

Emergency Department Treatment of Nonmedical Narcotic Use

Narcotic pain relievers provide relief and have important medical benefits. When they are used other than for their medical intent, they can have serious health consequences. They are often taken without medical supervision, in quantities other than prescribed and sometimes in combination with alcohol...
July 1st, 2010 | Research & News | Read More

Opiate Withdrawal Syndrome Recognized as Medical Disorder

Withdrawal from any drug is painful and symptomatic. The withdrawal symptoms from opioid use – such as muscle pain, nausea and vomiting – can cause a serious condition known as opiate withdrawal syndrome. If unrecognized or untreated, a patient who suddenly stops taking an opiate can develop...
June 25th, 2010 | Detox | Read More

Opiate Withdrawal

It was established in 2008 that in the past year, approximately 282,000 people above the age of 12 were dependent on or abused heroin. Additionally, 1,716,000 people over the age of 12 were dependent on or abused pain relievers.
February 9th, 2010 | Prescription Drug Addiction | Read More

Be Smart About Prescription Addiction: What You Don’t Know May Kill You

How long has it been since you’ve done a complete inventory of all the prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs you have in your home? Do you even know what you have? Some of those old containers of pills, solutions, drops and creams may be long past their expiration date. Chances are,...
December 14th, 2009 | Prescription Drug Addiction | Read More

Suboxone: Safe, Comfortable Withdrawal from Opiates

Many people find it difficult to stop using opiates because the withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and usually begin within 4-12 hours of the last dose. But at Promises Treatment Centers, opiate-dependent clients are given Suboxone, medication that virtually stops all withdrawal symptoms, making...
July 21st, 2009 | Detox | Read More

New York Prison Lauded for Opiate Addiction Treatment Program

A human rights group has commended upstate New York’s Tompkins jail for its effective treatment of inmates who are addicted to opiates. Human Rights Watch highlighted the jail’s buprenorphine program as an example of the sort of medication-assisted drug addiction treatment that all jails in the state...
July 13th, 2009 | Addiction Therapies | Read More