Opiates
Understanding Opiates
What is Opiates?
It comes from the word Opium which is naturally found in poppy seeds and plants. These drugs are used to treat mild to severe pain in patients, available legally by prescription. Opiate has intense calming effects and hence has high rates of abuse leading to addiction.
When you stop/cut back on your heavy usage after a few weeks, it leads to withdrawal which can cause anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, nausea, etc. Treatment for withdrawal symptoms often includes counseling, support groups, and medicines.
An overdose of opiate painkillers is a common consequence when the opiate is combined with substances such as central nervous system antidepressants and alcohol.
Inpatient detox followed by inpatient rehab is the most effective treatment approach.
What is Opiates used for?
You may be asked to get a test done as part of routine checkups or when it is guessed that toxicity could be a possibility.