Yale University's substance abuse treatment unit states that opiates are pain-relieving drugs that include methadone, heroin, codeine, morphine and opium. Opioid dependence is mediated in part by the pharmacological actions of opiate drugs on a particular type of opioid receptor in the nervous system. This receptor is named after the Greek letter "mu" and is found in areas of the brain and spinal cord responsible for mediating two types of information: pain signaling and rewarding sensations, according to "The Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology." Successful treatment of opiate addiction involves treating both psychological and physical aspects of drug dependence.
Development of Tolerance
Tolerance develops as the nervous system adjusts to the continued presence of a particular substance over a long period of time. This results in the need for a person to increase the dosage of a drug in order to experience the sought-after effects. According to "The Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology," tolerance develops by causing cells to reduce the number of receptors they have available to interact with opiates, which results in the cells becoming less responsive to stimulation.
Withdrawal Symptoms
A sign of opiate dependence is the physical withdrawal syndrome experienced as the drug level diminishes in the body. MedLine Plus states that opiate withdrawal symptoms include excessive running of the nose and eyes, yawning, anxiety, goose bumps, insomnia, sweating and chills, to name a few. According to "The Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology," many of the physical opiate withdrawal symptoms result from sudden over-activity of the autonomic nervous system.
Compulsive Drug-Seeking Behavior
Someone addicted to opiates will continue to feel the need to take the drug despite the negative effects it may have on them, according to the Harvard Medical School's family health guide. An addicted individual will continue to spend money on drugs, and may even engage in illegal activity in order to obtain them. Additionally, opiate-addicted individuals may be so focused on obtaining and using drugs that it causes them to experience problems at school, work and home. Opiate addicts may also fail to maintain their hygiene and physical appearance as a result of their preoccupation with drugs, according to The Mayo Clinic.
References
- Yale University Substance Abuse Treatment Unit: Opiates
- "The Clinical Manual of Addiction Psychopharmacology"; Henry Kranzler M.D. and Domenic Ciraulo M.D.; 2005
- MedLine Plus Medical Encyclopedia:Opiate Withdrawal
- Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: Treating Opiate Addiciton
- Drug Addiction: Symptoms MayoClinic.com
