Opiate abuse continues to be a major problem. It is a threat to the person consumed by the drugs and also those that depend on them. Opiates are drugs that are manufactured from opium poppy seeds. The seeds theme selves have codeine and morphine. Man made medications from poppy seeds include hyromorphone, Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin, Dilaudid and heroin. Dermerol and Darvon are other opiate drugs. Many opiates are used to treat pain.

Opiates are so popular in part because they help people feel good. They decrease feelings of anxiety, decreases pain and help individuals feel euphoric. These drugs can be taken a number of ways including via injections, snorting, smoked or orally.

Like all drugs there are dangers to Opiate abuse, the worst probably being death. Individuals who abuse opiates are at risk for respiratory arrest, and diseases such as HIV, hepatitis or other infectious diseases when the drugs are taken via injection.

One of the most abused opiates is heroin. It is fairly cheap and produces a very powerful high. Persons are able to get high really fast and report feelings of euphoria. This is especially true when the drug is injected directly into the veins. However, Opiate abuse is beginning to include many drugs besides heroin. An increasing number of individuals are using prescription pain killers such as Hyrocodone, Oxycontin and Dermerol. Abusers and addicts are obtaining these drugs by doctor shopping, theft and prescription forgery.

As a person continues to use opiates on a consistent basis, they will start to need higher doses to achieve the same highs that they have become accustomed to. As a result, they will seek more and more of the drug and in higher doses. This can be a very difficult habit to support financially. Therefore, individuals will often turn to illegal methods to support heir habits and get more of the drugs. However, if an individual commits to quitting and is able to stop using the drug, allowing it to get out of their systems, their nerve receptors can begin to readapt.

Detoxification is necessary when a person is attempting to overcome Opiate abuse. This is a process that involves all traces of the drugs leaving the body. This takes time and the exact amount will be dependent upon how long an individual has been on drugs and the last time they consumed them. Common withdrawal symptoms include the shakes, aches, vomiting, anxiety, cold or hot flashes and diarrhea. Individuals aren’t typically in any danger when these occur. However, it can feel like it. They are extremely uncomfortable and make for a very trying time. Many people continue to use drugs because they are unable to make it through the withdrawal process.

Individuals with an Opiate abuse problem can go through traditional rehab or they can be administered methadone or buprenorphine if they prefer. Most states will require that any medically based drug rehab program be certified before they can treat individuals with either methadone or buprenorphine.