Opiate2000(OPI) Test Card

What is Opiate?

• Opiate is a narcotic drug that comes from a poppy plant called opium.

• Lot of narcotics come from the poppy including morphine, heroine and codeine and its semi-synthetic version are fontanel, hydromorphone etc.
• Over a century used for both medical as well as recreational use. Opiate is highly addictive and habit forming if taken for long durations.
• Some of its naturally occurring products are morphine, codeine and the semi-synthetic products are heroine, fontanels, hydromorphone, codeine etc.
• All the drugs which comes in the opiate category have the similar effects like an initial feeling of euphoria which is followed by sleepiness.
• Even individuals using opiate for the first time are at great risk of overdosing and death if the amount large enough to stop breathing.

How is Opiate abused?

• Powdered form of Opiate is snorted and sniffed.
• Concentrated solution of Opiate is added in the centre of chewing gums, sugar cubes, alcohol, etc.
• The Opiate pills are taken orally.
• The powdered form is diluted in water or alcohol and taken intravenously. This method leads to itchy or popped up skin as the residue from opiate collects on the surface of the skin.
• Opiate can also be consumed through anus, and vaginally.

What is the impact of Opiate on our Brain?

• Opiate and its derivatives affect the brain’s reward system and blocks pain centre.
• Opiate addiction occurs when the brain begins to require the drug in order to function normally.
• When opiate is consumed for a long time, it changes the way the nerve cells work in the brain.
• The way that opiate works on the brain is by binding a specific receptor which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that controls movement, moods, physiology, which includes digestion, body temperature and breathing.
• Opiate causes the neurotransmitters to fire at a very high rate as they would in times of extreme stress. The brain is stimulated which causes nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
• Opiate are considered extremely addictive and can affect the structure and function of the brain.
• It can change a person’s motivations, emotions, and behavior. It can alter the brain function permanently.

What is the impact of Opiate on our Lungs and Respiratory system?

• Opiate depresses the respiratory system via actions on the brain stem that regulates breathing rhythm and brain drive.
• This effect is dependant on dose and is the primary method of death by overdose.
• What is the effect of Opiate on our Heart?
• Opiate causes heart problems. It decreases the heart rate, dilation of the blood vessels, lower blood pressure or hypotension.
• Persons seeking analgesic, euphoric or anti diarrheal action from opiate have experienced dizziness upon sudden standing, congestive heart failure.
• Opiate has a complex effect on the cardio vascular system.

What is the impact of Opiate on Women and their Babies?

• It can lead to a wide variety of congenital abnormalities and complications during pregnancy .You face a high risk of premature labor, intra uterine growth retardation, preeclampsia and other symptoms.
• The baby may become addicted to opiate while still in the uterus.
• After birth the baby may experience withdrawal symptoms , neo natal abstinence syndromes , low birth weight , respiratory complications , still birth , wakefulness , irritability , tremors , high pitched scream , diarrhea , sudden stoppage in breathing , fail to gain weight .
• Pregnant women abusing drugs have impaired judgment often have high risk , sexual behaviors that put them at risk  for contracting infectious diseases which can further be transmitted to the baby through placenta.

What is the Impact of Opiate on Teenagers and Young Adults?

• Teenagers are taking lot of prescribed opiates for recreational purposes often mixing them with other drugs and alcohol which places them at even greater risk of physical harm addiction and various other problems at school and home.
• There is a misperception among teens that since the drug is legal and prescribed for legitimate use and so are safe (High). Secondly these drugs are easily accessible by simply opening the family medicine chest.
• Consumption of opiate can cause low breathing and heart rate. It impairs or slows down metabolism and reduces immunity, mental clouding, depression etc.
• Parents are advised to keep tab on their prescription medication and educate the teenagers about the abuse of prescribed pain relievers.
• If you know somebody who is abusing opiate or its variants please take an opium home strip test before further damage to the individual.

What are the street names and slangs of Opiate?

• Downer
• Painkiller
• Sedative
• Tranquilizer
• Bromide
• Anodyne
• Analgesic
• Soporific
• Pacifier
• Nepenthe

How is opiate used in Medicine?

• It is used as an antitussive and as an analgesic.
• It is used in veterinary as anesthetic and as analgesic along with other drugs before and after a surgery.
• It is also used as non-lethal gas to incapacitate people in emergency situations.
• Opiate is a powerful sedative and a painkiller which controls pain by depressing the central nervous system.