Opiates are habit-forming drugs that dull the senses, relieve pain, and induce sleep.

Some forms of opiates are morphine, heroin, and codeine.

Opiates may be in the form of dark brown chunks, or white or brownish powder.

A tolerance to the drugs may occur if a person uses them over a period of time. A cross tolerance may also occur. This means that if a person uses one type of opiate, they will develop a tolerance to all opiates.

Addiction to opiates such as heroin causes many dangerous physical and psychological effects.

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS

· decreases awareness of the outside world
· vomiting
· drowsiness
· nodding off
· depression of respiration
· unconsciousness
· dilated pupils

These effects may last approximately 4 hours.

EFFECTS OF PROLONGED USE

· physical dependence
· psychological dependence
· lethargy and indifference to environment and people
· reduction of bowel movements
· infections of the heart lining and valves
· skin abscesses
· congested lungs
· death

INJECTIONS CAN CAUSE

· hepatitis
· abscesses
· blood poisoning
· AIDS

WITH LARGE DOSES

· user cannot be awakened
· pupils become very small
· skin becomes cold, moist, and bluish in color
· breathing slows down
· death from overdose

SIGNS OF OPIATE ADDICTION

· persistent and regular use of the drug
· attempts to stop which result in withdrawal
· continued use despite damaging physical/psychological problems
· compulsive drug-seeking behavior
· need to increase the dosage

Because opiates are extremely addictive, withdrawal symptoms occur when a person stops or decreases their use.

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

· uneasiness
· yawning
· tremors
· crying
· diarrhea
· weight loss
· abdominal cramps
· goose bumps
· runny nose
· severe craving for the drug

Withdrawal symptoms begin within 24 hours after last use and may last up to 7-10 days. Although these symptoms cause discomfort, the benefits to a person who stops using opiates greatly outweigh an addiction to the drugs. These benefits include improved health and greater enjoyment of everyday activities. Withdrawal can be dangerous depending upon the amount of the drug the person used. Medical attention is STRONGLY ADVISED!

OPIATES AND PREGNANCY

Research has shown that nearly half of the women who are dependent on opiates suffer anemia, heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, or hepatitis during pregnancy and childbirth. These women also experience more:

· spontaneous abortions
· breech deliveries
· caesarean sections
· premature births
· stillbirths
· infants with withdrawal symptoms
Many ofthese babies die.

EXTENT OF USE

In 1992, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services reported 49,899 emergency room episodes related to heroin, morphine, and codeine. Of these:

· 7.61% were white
· 15.14% were black
· 20.2% were Hispanic
· 6% involved people 18-25 years old
· 12.29% involved Sople 26-34 years old
· 16.42% involved people 35 years and older

In 1992, there were 3,762 reported deaths due to heroin, morphine, and codeine.

The most common drugs mixed with heroin, morphine, and codeine are alcohol and cocaine.