The Truth about Opiates

Opiates are one of the most common substances of drug abuse. It is a narcotic drug responsible for altering the functions of the central nervous system. Humans have opiate receptors located in the brain. When these are taken, it can result to relaxation, sleepiness and decreased inhibition. These substances are created initially for medical purposes but due to its relaxing effects, it becomes a source of drug abuse. There are different kinds of opiates. These include heroin, morphine and codeine.

Despite the initiatives done by the government and other institutions, opiates remain to be overly consumed by millions of people. It contributes to the alarming rate of substance abuse in California. These are the truth behind opiates:

Opiates Are Were Made Safe

The use of opiates trace back from hundreds of years ago. In fact, it was used as a medicine by the ancient people. Opium plants were cultivated thousands of years ago (3400 BC) in the countries of Egypt, Babylon, Assyria and Sumer. After many years, opium has gone through massive development and in the nineteenth century, morphine was discovered by Friedrich Wilhelm Adam Sertuner. The rest, as they say, was history. Over time, different kinds of opiates emerged and some of which are considered illegal, like the heroin.

The Addictive Process in Opiates

Opiates work by releasing more endorphins, which will provide a deep relaxing feeling. It stops the brain from producing its own endorphins and makes one for the body instead. This ‘switch’ of function is the reason for the addiction. The brain will shut down and the body will automatically search for other sources of endorphin. In this case, the huge craving to take another dose becomes strong. The impact of opiates is stronger than what the brain secretes. In fact, there are opiates that produce 100 times more endorphins and this imposes huge impact on the cells in the body.

Substance abuse in California includes the use of opiates. Every day, thousands of people are put into rehabilitation center due to addiction. This destroys health, personal perspectives and social relationships. Be sure to talk to the experts if you know someone addicted to opiates.