|
|
Basic InformationMore Information"I have benefited from AA and the 12 Steps... Very much so!"A Better MeetingAA Is To Shame As A Hot Knife Is To ButterAging and Alcohol UseAlcoholic's Anonymous, Outcomes and New Research on AlcoholismAlcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a Cult ?An Alternative to PowerlessnessAwakeningConcerning Problems Within AADefining and Understanding the Concept of Denial, Addictions and OtherwiseGauging the Effectiveness of One Component of Alcoholics AnonymousHow Drugs Affect The BrainHuffing: Parents and Kids BewareIts Never Too LateLike Phoenix Risen from the Ashes of Addiction, A New Addiction Recovery ProgramNIDA InfoFacts: Drug Abuse and AIDSNIDA InfoFacts: Drug Addiction Treatment MethodsNIDA InfoFacts: Drugged DrivingNIDA InfoFacts: Pregnancy and Drug Use TrendsNIDA InfoFacts: Understanding Drug Abuse and AddictionOn the Question of Medical MarijuanaPain Pills, A Real PainPerverse MotivationRandom Thoughts About Addiction, Delusions and HallucinationsRecoverySelf-EfficacyStaying Sober: Dealing With TemptationsSteering Versus DriftingThe Author of Your FateThe Enlightened PathThe Impeccable PathThe Mentality of ChildhoodThe OPEN PathThe Paradoxical Sinclair Method For Treating Alcohol DependenceTwo MindsWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Annie Fahy, MSW on Motivational InterviewingWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with John C. Fleming, MD on Preventing AddictionWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Laurence Westreich, MD on Helping Families Help Addicted MembersWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Marc Kern, Ph.D. on Rational Alternatives to Alcoholics AnonymousWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An interview with Morteza Khaleghi, Ph.D. on the Importance of Treating Emotional Trauma in Addiction Wise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Patt Denning, Ph.D. on Harm Reduction Psychotherapy for Substance Abuse and AddictionWise Counsel Interview Transcript: An Interview with Stefanie Goldstein, Ph.D. on Mindfulness and Addiction TestsLatest NewsQuestions and AnswersLinksBook ReviewsSelf-Help Groups |
| |
Alcohol and Substance Abuse - OpiatesMark Dombeck, Ph.D.Member Drugs: (Brand Names) [Street Names] - Heroin [Horse, Junk, Smack, Snow, "H", Brown, Black]
- Morphine
- Codeine (OxyContin, Tylenol with Codeine)
- Methadone, LAAM
What The Drugs Looks Like: - Heroin comes in the form of a white or brown crystalline substance that can be powdered.
- Commercial opioid medications come in pill and liquid forms.
Most Typical Routes Of Administration: - Nose (snorting powered form)
- Lungs (inhaling pipe smoke)
- Mouth (swallowing pills)
- IV (injection into a vein)
What These Drugs Do (Symptoms Typical Of Intoxication): - Short term effects:
- The intense "rush" which most abusers prefer is obtained from intravenous injection
- Feeling of well being, euphoria, relaxation, drowsiness and mental confusion
- Higher doses and overdose can cause: sleep; very low blood pressure, slowed heart rate and respiration; low body temperature; muscle constriction; cold clammy skin; cyanosis (not enough oxygen in the bloodstream); coma and death.
- Physical as well as emotional responses to pain are numbed
- Apathy and an inability to concentrate,
- Nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills
- Slowed pulse, rate of breathing and lowered blood pressure
- Long term effects:
- Chronic constipation
- Impaired vision
- Mood swings and instability
- As tolerance develops, the user can no longer get the pleasurable effects, but must continue taking the drug to prevent withdrawal.
Pattern of Withdrawal Symptoms: Symptoms last 10-14 days or even longer - Chills and hot flashes
- Sweating
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Yawning fits
- Diarrhea
- Panic attacks
- Bone aches
- Muscle aches
- Lethargy
Most Significant Problems: - High possibility of a potentially fatal overdose
- Addictive with strong, painful withdrawal symptoms
- May possibly contribute to depression or anxiety
How Tested For: - Blood Test (remains positive for approx. 2 days after last dose)
|
