Opiates are a class of drugs that includes heroin and morphine, and are narcotic substances derived from opium, which is made from poppy seeds. As medications, they are generally used for pain control. Opiates are also commonly used as potent and highly addictive recreational drugs. Whether as pain medications or recreational drugs, the potency of opiates makes them a common substance of abuse.
Overdose
The biggest danger with opiate abuse is overdose. An opiate overdose can be deadly. When people consume a high opiate dose, the drug impairs their cognition and they have a hard time controlling how much more they consume. The vicious cycle can ultimately lead to unintentionally consuming very high doses. The mechanism of death from opiate overdose is most often by respiratory suppression, as the drug impairs the body's breathing efforts.
Seizures
Opiates can lower the body's seizure threshold. That means that they place people taking them at risk for having a seizure. That is especially true with abuse of the more potent opiates, such as heroin. Higher doses also raise the risk of seizures.
Heart Damage
Opiate abuse can cause a heart defect known as prolonged QT syndrome in individuals predisposed to the condition. That condition basically means that the electric conduction through the heart slows down. When that happens, it can disrupt the heart's regular rhythm and lead to heart damage and poor oxygen delivery.
Addiction
All opiates have the potential to be addictive. The more potent forms, such as heroin, have such a high addiction potential that people who want to stop taking the drug usually have to transition to a milder opiate prior to quitting. Because of the strong addiction, people who abuse opiates typically suffer from harsh withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit.
References
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence; The Committee on Problems of Drug Dependence: A Legacy of the National Academy of Sciences. A Historical Account; Everette May; June 1989
- Drugs.com: Methadone
