Addiction to Opioids

Opioid Addiction is a rapidly growing Drug problem, paralleling a rising prevalence and availability of prescription pain killers. The use and abuse of these drugs has risen over recent years to the point where prescription pain killers are one of the main classes of drugs that we deal with in our centers.

The term "opioid" refers to a class of drugs that have similar properties and actions to opium-derived drugs such as Morphine and Heroin. Opioids act on the brain and nervous system to diminish the perception of pain, and are most often prescribed for the treatment of pain. Examples of prescription opioids include morphine (Kadian, Avinza), Codeine, hydrocodone (Lortab, Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet), fentanyl (Duragesic), propoxyphene (Darvon), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid).

While effective for the necessary treatment of pain, these drugs can quickly lead to dependence or addiction and have become widely subject to abuse. Adolescents are one of the most vulnerable populations to opioid dependence. The 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 9.2 percent of youth aged 12-17 had used a prescription drug for non-medical reasons in the past year, and 4.0 percent were current users.

One of the more dangerous side effects from large doses of opioid drugs is respiratory depression, which in severe cases can lead to death. The risk of this is increased when the drug is taken by alternate routes such as crushing and snorting the tablets, and further increased if it is combined with other drugs such as Alcohol. Both of these are common practices among opioid abusers.

The greatest danger from opioid abuse is drug dependence. Opioids are highly addictive and Withdrawal can be very difficult. Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps ("cold turkey"), and involuntary leg movements.

The important thing to remember is help is available, and the time to seek it is now, before the problem gets any worse. Narconon centers deal with this and other types of addiction on a daily basis.

Definitions of Terms Used

Term	Description
Addiction	Strong physiological, emotional and/or psychological dependence on a substance such as alcohol or drugs that has progressed beyond voluntary control. For more on addiction see the section Addiction Information in this website.
Alcohol	Refers to ethyl alcohol or ethanol.
Codeine	A natural opioid compound that is a relatively weak, but still effective, opiate analgesic. It has also been used to treat other problems (e.g., to relieve coughing).
Drug	Any substance, other than food, that changes the function or structure of the body or mind when ingested. Drugs essentially are poisons. The degree they are taken determines the effect. A small amount acts as a stimulant. A greater amount acts as a sedative. A larger amount acts as a poison and can kill one dead. This is true of any drug. Each has a different amount at which it gives those results.
Heroin	The potent, widely abused opiate that produces a profound addiction. It consists of two morphine molecules linked together chemically.
Morphine	Morphine The most potent natural opiate compound produced by the opium poppy.
Narconon	A non-religious, non-profit drug rehabilitation program using technology developed by author L. Ron Hubbard. The Narconon program was originally organized in Arizona State Prison in 1966 by William Benitez, an inmate who was himself a drug addict. He applyed basic principles regarding self awareness and self assurance contained in books by L. Ron Hubbard and, by doing so, completely cured his own addiction to heroin. Mr Benitez then went on to help twenty other inmates do the same. Today there are Narconon centers in 45 countries.
Opioid	Any chemical that has opiate-like effects; commonly used to refer to neurochemicals that activate opiate receptors (see Opiate Receptors).
Withdrawal	Symptoms that occur after chronic use of a drug is reduced or stopped.

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Addiction to Opioids

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