3. Opioids

3. Opioids

The following drugs are opioids:
• opium (illegal);
• morphine (on prescription or illegally obtained);
• heroin (illegal, also known as 'smack', 'skag', 'hammer', 'h', 'gear', 'slow' and 'horse');
• pethidine (on prescription or illegally obtained);
• methadone (on prescription or illegally obtained); and
• codeine (on prescription or illegally obtained).
These types of drugs relieve pain and use produces a feeling of euphoria and well being. However,
users can develop a tolerance and dependence very quickly. If large amounts of opiates are
consumed, adverse physical effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, reduced
vision and respiratory depression. Overdose can be fatal. Other effects include poor appetite, lack
of emotion, apathy and indifference.
People who are dependent on opioids will spend more and more time and energy acquiring drugs
and, consequently, less time on other behaviours, such as those related to work, family and
recreation.
If somebody is injecting drugs, and sharing needles and/or injecting equipment, there is an
increased risk of blood borne virus, such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
Methadone is used to treat heroin dependant people and is only legal within a treatment program.
Methadone maintenance treatment is recognised as an effective method for treating opioid
dependence and reducing the harm associated with illegal opioid use. During the early stages of
methadone treatment, the ability to drive a car or operate heavy machines may be impaired.