Opiates are central nervous system depressants that are often used medically to relieve pain.  They are from a resin taken from poppy plants found in countries throughout the world, including Mexico, Turkey, India, China, Burma, and Yugoslavia.  This resin can be converted into opium, heroin, codeine and morphine.  Other opiates such as Demoral, Darvon, Percodan, Dilaudid, Talwin and methadone are synthesized or manufactured by modifying the chemicals found in opium. 

Opiates have a high potential or abuse and are found in a variety of forms including: powders, liquids, tablets, syrups and capsules.  Some opiates can be obtained by prescription from a physician such as morphine, codeine and dilaudid.  These drugs are used to relieve pain, cough and diarrhea.  Other opiates are popular street drugs such as heroin – the most potent and commonly abused opiate.

 Opiates usually taken orally except in the case of heroin which is in powder form.  Heroin users generally begin sniffing the drug and then gradually advance to injecting it.  The powder is dissolved in water and heated to reduce it to a liquid form.  The user then injects the drug subcutaneously or intravenously. Subcutaneous injection (“skin popping”) is when heroin solution is injected into the layers of the skin – usually in the arms or thighs.  Intravenous injection (“mainlining”) is when the heroin is injected into a vein.  When heroin is injected the effects are felt within minutes and last between 3-4 hours – depending on the dosage. 

Street heroin can be a white or brownish powder and is usually diluted or “cut” with other substances such as sugar, powdered milk or quinine in order to increase the bulk amount sold to the user. 

Classification: Narcotic      

Slang names:

• Heroin – dope, H., junk, scag, smack, brown sugar, Mexican mud, horse

• Codeine – schoolboy

• Dilaudid- big D, D’s, dillies, stuff, pills

• Morphine – dope, M, Miss Emma, mud, sister

Method of Use: orally, injected, inhaled, and smoked

Dependence Potential: physically and psychologically addictive 

Like other depressants, opiates produce a tranquil and euphoric effect.  Users who inject an opiate such as heroin may also experience a “rush” as the drug circulates through their system.  Some users combine opiates with a stimulant such as cocaine.  This is called “speedballing.”  The stimulant is supposed to keep the user from falling asleep from the effects of the opiate and the opiate is supposed to reduce the hyperactive effects often caused by stimulants. 

Psychological dependence is probable with continued use of opiates. When someone becomes dependent, finding and using the drug become their main focus.  Opiates also induce tolerance – the need for more of the drug in order to produce the same effects. The physical effects of opiates depend on the opiate used, its source, the dose and the method in which it is used.  Opiates slow down breathing, heart rate and brain activity and depress areas of the brain that control appetite, thirst and sexual desire.  The body’s tolerance for pain is also increased. The dangers of opiates are usually caused by using too much of the drug, contamination of the drug, combining several drugs or using un-sterile needles when injecting the drug.  Use of un-sterile needles can lead to hepatitis, tetanus or AIDS. 

Regular opiate users who abruptly stop using the drug will experience withdrawal symptoms that usually begin 4-6 hours after the last dose.  Symptoms include: uneasiness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, chills, sweating nausea, runny nose and eyes, irritability, weakness, tremors and insomnia. The intensity of these drugs depend on how much of the drug was taken, how often and for how long.  These symptoms are usually strongest 24-72 hours after they begin and can persist for 7-10 days.  Sometimes, sleeplessness and craving for the drug can last for several months. Opiates are also harmful to a developing fetus.   Pregnant women who are dependent on opiates have a higher risk for spontaneous abortions, breech deliveries, premature births and stillbirths.  Babies born to opiate-addicted mothers often have withdrawal symptoms similar to adults.  These symptoms may last several weeks or months.  Researchers have also found an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) among babies born to opiate-addicted mothers. 

The following are signs and symptoms often associated with opiate use: 

• Lethargy, drowsiness

• Constricted pupils and reduced vision

• Shallow breathing

• Needle or track marks on inner arms or other parts of the body from injecting needles

• Redness and raw nostrils from sniffing heroin

• Excessive perspiration, shaking, vomiting, chills or other withdrawal symptoms

• Use of possession of paraphernalia including syringes, bent spoons, bottle caps, eye droppers, rubber tubing, cotton and needles