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Search HIPusa.com Powered by Behavioral Health Options HIP Behavioral Health Services Mental Health Center Closings Mental Health Network Providers Common Psychiatric Disorders Information for members regarding Timothy's Law	Substance-Related Disorders Opioids Important Facts Symptoms of Intoxication Detoxification/Withdrawal Symptoms Treatment Prenatal Effects Negative Consequences Warning Signs That Opiates are a Problem For Parents: What to Look for For Parents: What to Listen for Important Facts Opioids are primarily prescribed to relieve severe pain, but they are often obtained illegally. They are also prescribed as anesthetics, antidiarrheal agents and cough suppressants. The most common opioids are heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, oxycodone and fentanyl. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin. In the last decade, the purity of heroin has skyrocketed from 10 percent to greater than 90 percent, with the national purity average estimated to be 41 percent. Opioid use has tripled in the last ten years, with significant increases among high school students. Street versions of these drugs may have additives that do not readily dissolve. These undissolved particles can clog blood vessels leading to vital organs which may result in death. When these drugs are injected using a shared needle, users sometimes acquire diseases or disorders. Injection drug use is estimated to be a factor in one-third of all HIV cases and more than half of all hepatitis-C cases in the nation. [ back to top ] Symptoms of Intoxication Acting jumpy or sluggish Alternating between a wakeful and a drowsy state ("on the nod") Anxiety/depression /restlessness Coma Drowsiness Dry mouth Euphoria (temporary feelings of elation, energy and limitless power) Heaviness of hands and feet Impaired attention Impaired judgement Impaired memory Lack of caring or emotional feeling Nausea Slowed breath rate Slurred speech Small pupils Warm flushing of the skin [ back to top ] Detoxification/Withdrawal Symptoms Withdrawal, also known as "dope sickness," may occur within hours of the last dose. Withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose, and subside after approximately one week. Anxiety/depression/restlessness Bone pain Cold flashes Cramping Diarrhea Drug cravings Enlarged pupils Fever Goose bumps Insomnia Kicking movements Muscle aches Nausea or vomiting Sweating Watering eyes or runny nose Yawning [ back to top ] Treatment Treatment may involve a variety of therapies including: Behavioral treatments Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Medications National Institute of Health (NIH) – statement on heroin addiction treatment is available by calling 1-888-644-2667 or on their Web site http://consensus.nih.gov/cons/108/108_intro.htm [ back to top ] Prenatal Effects High rate of miscarriage Premature delivery Greater risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) [ back to top ] Negative Consequences Abscesses Arthritis and other rheumatologic problems Bacterial infections Brain damage Cellulitis (spreading inflammation of the skin’s connective tissue) Clammy skin Collapsed veins Coma Convulsions Death Higher rate of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis Infection of the heart lining and valves Infectious diseases Liver disease Lung complications (e.g., pneumonia) Slow or shallow breathing [ back to top ] Warning Signs That Opioid use is a Problem Chasing the "first high" with continued and increased drug use. Continued use of opioids despite significant problems related to use, such as financial problems and neglecting responsibilities. Drug cravings. Finding it increasingly difficult to resist using drug when it is available. Great deal of time spent in activities necessary to obtain drugs. Once addicted to opioids, the abuser’s primary purpose in life becomes seeking and using drugs. Symptoms cause marked distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. Unsuccessful attempts to control or cut down use. [ back to top ] For Parents: What to Look for Abscesses, boils Blood stain on shirt sleeve Burnt bottle caps or spoons Cotton tourniquet Fine, white crystalline powder, bitter to the taste (morphine) Glassine bags Needle or hypodermic syringes Runny nose Scarred and/or collapsed veins Soft tissue infections String, rope, belt Tracks Watery eyes White to dark brown powder with a bitter taste (heroin) [ back to top ] For Parents: What to Listen for Big H, H Brown sugar Dope Horse Junk M Mexican Black Tar Miss Emma Morph Mud Skag Smack Works [ back to top ]