What are OPIOIDS?

What are opioids?

Opioids are a category of drugs utilized to alleviate pain but are known for their high potential for addiction. This group includes heroin and prescription medications such as Oxycodone, Morphine, Percocet, and Fentanyl.

Heroin, derived from morphine, typically appears as a white or brown powder, though it can also resemble tar. It can be administered by injection, snorting, or smoking. Common street names for heroin include smack, H, and junk. It may also be referred to by its origin (e.g., “Mexican Black Tar”) or by specific brand names (e.g., “Brainstorm”).

What are the risks of opioid misuse?

Opioids have a strong potential for addiction. As opioid use continues, the brain may start craving higher amounts than initially taken, despite knowing the dangers. Prolonged use can lead to increased tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, which can result in physical dependence. When someone stops taking opioids, they may experience severe withdrawal symptoms and illness. The necessity to increase doses, coupled with physical dependence, contributes significantly to the addictive nature of opioids.

Addiction to opioids can affect anyone, regardless of their background. Opioids do not discriminate; addiction can impact a coworker, teammate, patient, friend, or family member. If you suspect someone is misusing opioids, reach out to them immediately and use available resources for guidance.

Why do people switch from prescription opioids to heroin and fentanyl?

The primary reason for switching is cost. Prescription opioids are often difficult to obtain and expensive. Heroin and fentanyl are usually cheaper alternatives. These drugs are often used to avoid withdrawal symptoms from prescription opioids, especially when someone lacks a prescription or funds to purchase opioids illegally. However, heroin and fentanyl present a higher risk of overdose due to their unsafe nature.

Overdosing on opioids

Opioids can slow breathing significantly, leading to respiratory arrest. An overdose can occur with just one dose, even if it’s the same amount previously taken without issue.

If you suspect someone is overdosing, administer naloxone (Narcan) and call 911 immediately.

What else should I know?

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  • A person’s appearance may change when they are misusing opioids:

    • Small or “pinpoint” pupils

    • Scars or bruises from using needles (also known as “Track Marks”)

    • Itches and scratches on the skiniption text goes here

  • There are multiple health problems that may be noticed when a person is misusing opioids:

    • Weight loss

    • Vomiting (throwing up)

    • Constipation (having trouble pooping)

    • In women, not getting a period

    • Depression

  • Behavior may change in a person misusing opioids:

    • “Nodding off” (falling asleep)

    • Start using laxatives

    • Lose friends they’ve had for a long time

    • Have problems in school or at work

    • Lose interest in activities

    • Spend more time away from home

    • Make frequent, secret phone calls

    • Get in trouble with the police

  • Things in their homes may have changed as well:

    • Missing money, credit cards, or valuables (stolen or sold for money)

    • Pawn slips (pawned items for money)

    • Purchases returned for cash refunds

    • Extra plastic Ziploc bags (buying or selling substances)

    • Bottles of vinegar and bleach and cotton balls (vinegar or bleach to clean needles; cotton balls are used when injecting drugs)

    • Aluminum foil or chewing gum wrappers with burn marks (used to smoke opioids)

    • Spoons with burn marks or missing spoons (also used to prepare for injecting)

  • Withdrawal symptoms: withdrawal happens when a person dependent on opioids suddenly stops taking them.  Symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:

    • Diarrhea (watery poop)

    • Sweating

    • Dilated (very big) pupils

    • Irritability (moodiness)

    • Anxiety (feeling worried or nervous)

    • Trouble sleeping

    • Talking about craving medicines or drugs

    • Complaining about pain — especially stomach cramps, muscle aches, and bone pain

  • Fentanyl is a type of opioid that is man-made or synthetic. Fentanyl is 50x stronger than heroin and 100x stronger than morphine and there are two types:

    • Pharmaceutical fentanyl is made in a lab and prescribed by a doctor

    • Non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is made illegally and often mixed with other drugs, like heroin and/or cocaine, to increase the drug’s effect.

    The user may be unaware that there is fentanyl in the drug they are using and therefore unaware of their increased risk of overdosing. There are fentanyl test strips that can be used to determine if there is a presence of fentanyl in the drug that is about to be used.

To learn where to Find NARCAN