Opiate addiction and you

Opiates are a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). The plant produces a milky sap called latex, which contains several active compounds known as alkaloids. To obtain natural opiates, the latex is collected from the seed pods of the opium poppy, allowing the sap to ooze out and dry on the outer surface. The dried latex, called raw opium, is then scraped off and further processed to isolate the desired alkaloids.

Types of opiate drugs

Some natural opiates are directly extracted from the opium poppy. Others are more commonly synthesized from other naturally occurring opiates. Despite differences in their production methods, all of these compounds are still considered natural opiates due to their origin and chemical structure.

Here is a list of most commonly used opiates:

1. Morphine: the primary active compound in opium is a potent analgesic used to treat severe pain, such as post-surgical pain or pain associated with terminal illnesses like cancer.
2. Codeine: a naturally occurring opiate found in the opium poppy in lower concentrations than morphine. It is often used to treat mild to moderate pain and is often found in some cough suppressant formulations.
3. Thebaine: this opiate is not used directly for its medicinal properties. Instead, it serves as a precursor for the synthesis of semi-synthetic opioids such as oxycodone and buprenorphine.
4. Hydrocodone: a semi-synthetic opioid derived from codeine or thebaine, used to treat moderate to severe pain, often in combination with other medications like acetaminophen.
5. Oxycodone: a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, prescribed for moderate to severe pain relief.
6. Hydromorphone: a potent semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine, used to treat severe pain in opioid-tolerant patients.
7. Oxymorphone: a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine or morphine, used to treat moderate to severe pain, particularly in opioid-tolerant individuals.
8. Oripavine: an opiate alkaloid used as a starting material for the production of semi-synthetic opioids such as buprenorphine and etorphine.
9. Papaverine: acts as a smooth muscle relaxant and is used to treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction and gastrointestinal disorders.
10. Noscapine (also known as Narcotine): has antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties and is being investigated for its potential anti-cancer effects.
11. Laudanine: a minor alkaloid found in opium with no significant medical uses.
12. Laudanidine: another minor alkaloid found in opium with limited therapeutic potential.

What are opiates used for?

Opiates have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years. In ancient civilizations, opium was used to treat a wide range of ailments, including pain, diarrhea, and cough. In the early 19th century, morphine was isolated from opium and became widely used as a pain reliever.

Opiates are primarily used for their analgesic properties, but they also have other medical applications such as:

1. Cough suppression. Codeine is sometimes prescribed to manage severe or chronic cough that does not respond to other treatments. This opiate works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing. Prescription cough medications containing opiates are usually reserved for short-term use under medical supervision.
2. Diarrhea treatment. Opiates such as diphenoxylate and loperamide are effective in controlling acute and chronic diarrhea. They work by slowing down intestinal motility, which allows more time for water and electrolytes to be absorbed from the intestines, leading to firmer stools and reduced frequency of bowel movements. These opiates are available by prescription or over the counter.
3. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) management. Low doses of opiates may be prescribed to alleviate dyspnea in patients with advanced lung diseases. Opiates help reduce the perception of breathlessness and can improve a patient’s quality of life, but their use for dyspnea management requires careful monitoring, as opiates can also depress respiratory function.
4. Analgesia in labor. Opiates, such as morphine, may be used to manage pain during labor and delivery. Morphine can be administered intravenously or intramuscularly to allow the mother to cope better with contractions. The use of opiates during labor is limited and carefully monitored, as they can cross the placenta and may cause side effects in the newborn. 
5. Palliative and end-of-life care. Opiates are often prescribed to manage pain and improve the quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses, such as advanced cancer. Opiates are effective in controlling severe pain, providing comfort, and alleviating suffering. They can be administered orally, transdermally (through a patch), or intravenously. 

Despite their medical benefits, natural opiates carry a high risk of addiction and abuse. The euphoric effects and the development of tolerance can lead many to misuse them. 

In the United States, opiates are classified as Schedule II drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, which means they have a high potential for abuse but also have accepted medical uses. The use, distribution, and manufacture of opiates are strictly regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prevent misuse and abuse while ensuring their availability for legitimate medical purposes.

How do opiates work?

Opiates work by binding to specific receptors in the brain in regions involved in pain perception, reward, and emotion regulation. These are called opioid receptors. When these receptors are activated, they trigger a cascade of chemical events that ultimately lead to a reduction in pain signaling and an increase in feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

Opiates flood the user’s brain with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. The release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (a key region in the brain’s reward system) produces feelings of pleasure, while other brain regions create lasting memories that associate these positive sensations with the surrounding environment. 

…these memories, called conditioned associations, often lead to the craving for drugs when the abuser reen-counters those persons, places, or things, and they drive abusers to seek out more drugs in spite of many obstacles. (Kosten and George)

With continued use, your brain adapts by reducing its natural production of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. This requires higher doses of the drug to feel the same effects as before, so you develop tolerance. Over time, your brain becomes dependent on opiates to function normally. If you try to stop using, your brain struggles to cope without the drug, so you may experience withdrawal symptoms. The intense cravings make it difficult to quit even when you want to.

With proper treatment, support, and time, you can overcome your psychological and physical dependence and restore normal brain function. Ardu’s drug rehab program can help you break free from the grip of opiate addiction. We provide the support, guidance, and evidence-based treatments you need to heal your brain and rebuild your life.