Opiates are chemicals that interact with specialized proteins in the brain and reduce pain sensation. While they are designed to be safe and effective, they can become addictive when used for long periods of time.
If you or someone you know is abusing opioids, there are some warning signs that can help you determine if they need treatment.
Agonists
Agonists are substances that bind to receptors on the cell surface and cause a biological response. These are the same receptors that can be activated by hormones and neurotransmitters, but also by drugs.
An agonist has affinity (the ability to bind to the receptor) and intrinsic efficacy (the ability to change the response that occurs). They can be full agonists, partial agonists or inverse agonists.
When full agonists bind to the receptor at high doses, they can produce a maximal biological response, or Emax. This is a result of the number of receptors bound to the agonist, but also of the molecule’s intrinsic activity.
On the other hand, antagonists block the action of agonists. This can be a competitive or non-competitive effect.
Sedatives
Sedatives are prescribed to treat many medical conditions, including anxiety and insomnia. They also are used to help reduce the pain of surgical procedures.
Doctors also prescribe sedatives to ease the symptoms of bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications can help people relax and sleep, and they also can control muscle spasms.
However, sedatives can be dangerous when misused and abused. They may cause slow breathing, unconsciousness, or even death.
These drugs are often abused by users who do not know the risks of taking them. They can also cause severe withdrawal if taken frequently or in high doses.
Patients who are using sedatives in conjunction with other substances, such as opioids, are at increased risk of an opioid-induced withdrawal syndrome that can be severe (delirium tremens). They may develop seizures, comorbid medical or psychiatric problems and have a greater likelihood of death if they are not treated early [36].
Heroin
Heroin is a potent opiate that is used to relieve pain. It can be smoked or injected into a vein, and can also be snorted or nasally inhaled.
It binds to opioid receptors, which are found on cells in the brain and throughout the body. These receptors help reduce pain, but they can also cause a feeling of euphoria or intense high.
People who use heroin may become dependent on it and need more to feel the same effect. They can also experience cravings, which can lead to overuse.
Heroin is a powerful drug, and users can overdose on it. It is illegal to sell or use it in the United States. It is made from the resin of opium poppy plants and contains morphine, a naturally occurring drug.
Treatment
A trip to the doctor’s office is usually enough, but if you’ve got a loved one on the hook for opioids you may want to consider a more comprehensive approach. Treatment for opioid use can be a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. The most promising new medications include methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. These drugs are titrated to effect and can be delivered by any health care professional with a valid prescription.
A good quality opioid treatment program will include not just medicine, but also therapy, education and social support. A few of the more advanced programs also offer residential treatment allowing patients to live in a structured environment while receiving their addiction treatments. Other possible treatment options include outpatient clinics, extended care facilities and in-home therapies. Choosing the right option is a challenging task, but it pays to be informed and make the right decisions. The best part is that recovery can be long lasting and rewarding, with the potential for a full life without opioids.
