What are opiates and why are they prescribed?
From a medical and scientific standpoint, opiates are a group of narcotic opioid alkaloid substances found in the opium poppy plant and other semi-synthetic derivatives. The chemicals in these substances function by attaching themselves to the opioid receptors of the brain, central and peripheral nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Interestingly enough, the opium poppy’s use predates the recorded history of man himself and is viewed as one of the oldest and most addictive substances known to man.
Opiates are usually prescribed because of their analgesic or painkilling and therapeutic characteristics which have made them extremely popular among recreational drug users. The three primary characteristics of these drugs which makes them very beneficial:
- a decreased perception of pain
- a decreased reaction to pain
- an increased tolerance for pain
Opiates are also a key ingredient in other medications such as anti-tussive medications (cough suppressants) with codeine being the primary ingredient of these.
Opiate addiction and dependency
The World Health Organization (WHO) published a set of guidelines regarding opiate addiction and dependency in the 1960’s. Basically, said that in order for an addiction to or dependency on opiates to be diagnosed, three or more of the following elements must be present with the individual:
- The individual continues to use opiates regardless of the potential harm with taking these substances on a regular basis
- Difficulties encountered when by the individual when they are attempting to control their drug-taking behavior
- Physical withdrawal symptoms occurring when the individual abruptly stops taking the opiate substance
- Neglecting their interests and responsibilities while spending more time to locate more of the drug and recover from its effects
- Strong compulsion to consume more opiates
- Needing to take increasingly larger doses of the opiate due to tolerance build-up
What is important here is the fact that if any three or more of the above applies to you or a loved one, you may be a candidate for an addiction treatment and recovery program that offers opiate detox.
Getting professional help for opiate addiction or dependency
Due the highly addictive nature of opiates, numerous addiction treatment and recovery centers throughout the US today now offer opiate detox and rehab programs. These have become necessary over the years and have helped thousands of individuals overcome their addiction to or dependency on opiates. However, the euphoric effects of these drugs are what hold the appeal for so many recreational drug users. Additionally, tolerance build-ups occur almost unnoticed and addiction or dependency can develop quickly.
If you or a love one is suffering with addiction or dependency issues and have been searching for an effective opiate detox program that will enable you to recover from this, please contact Blue Water Detox today at the toll-free phone number listed above.
