Narcotics: Poppy Field

Many people do not realize that opiates and narcotics come from three sources: natural narcotics, made from the poppy, semi-synthetic narcotics, which are the same substances which are more processed and refined, and completely synthetic opiates which don’t use any of the ingredients found in the poppy plant.

“The narcotic drugs that cause the most addictions are the semi-synthetics: heroin, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and hydrocodone,” states Mary Rieser, Executive Director for The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia.

“The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia is seeing more and more cases of narcotic drug addiction,” Ms. Riser continues. “Many of our clients start with a prescription drug addiction, then move over to a heroin addiction. Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse all too often leads to prescription drug addiction.

“Know the facts. Don’t get addicted to prescription drugs.”

The following narcotics are among the more significant substances that have been derived from morphine, codeine, or thebaine contained in opium.

Heroin

Heroin Addiction

First synthesized from morphine in 1874, heroin was not extensively used in medicine until the early 1900s. Commercial production of the new pain remedy was first started in 1898. It initially received widespread acceptance from the medical profession, and physicians remained unaware of its addiction potential for years. The first comprehensive control of heroin occurred with the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914. Today, heroin is an illicit substance having no medical utility in the United States. It is in Schedule I of the CSA.

Four foreign source areas produce the heroin available in the United States: South America (Colombia), Mexico, Southeast Asia (principally Burma), and Southwest Asia (principally Afghanistan). However, South America and Mexico supply most of the illicit heroin marketed in the United States. South American heroin is a high-purity powder primarily distributed to metropolitan areas on the East Coast. Heroin powder may vary in color from white to dark brown because of impurities left from the manufacturing process or the presence of additives. Mexican heroin, known as “black tar,” is primarily available in the western United States. The color and consistency of black tar heroin result from the crude processing methods used to illicitly manufacture heroin in Mexico. Black tar heroin may be sticky like roofing tar or hard like coal, and its color may vary from dark brown to black.

After the opium poppy pod has been scored, the liquid opium oozes out and dries on the pod. It is collected and scraped into a ball shape.

Pure heroin is rarely sold on the street. A “bag” (slang for a small unit of heroin sold on the street) currently contains about 30 to 50 milligrams of powder, only a portion of which is heroin. The remainder could be sugar, starch, acetaminophen, procaine, benzocaine, or quinine, or any of numerous cutting agents for heroin. Traditionally, the purity of heroin in a bag ranged from 1 to 10 percent. More recently, heroin purity has ranged from about 10 to 70 percent. Black tar heroin is often sold in chunks weighing about an ounce. Its purity is generally less than South American heroin and it is most frequently smoked, or dissolved, diluted, and injected.

In the past, heroin in the United States was almost always injected, because this is the most practical and efficient way to administer low-purity heroin. However, the recent availability of higher purity heroin at relatively low cost has meant that a larger percentage of today’s users are either snorting or smoking heroin, instead of injecting it. This trend was first captured in the 1999 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, which revealed that 60 to 70 percent of people who used heroin for the first time from 1996 to 1998 never injected it. This trend has continued. Snorting or smoking heroin is more appealing to new users because it eliminates both the fear of acquiring syringe-borne diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis, as well as eliminating the social stigma attached to intravenous heroin use. Many new users of heroin mistakenly believe that smoking or snorting heroin is a safe technique for avoiding addiction. However, both the smoking and the snorting of heroin are directly linked to high incidences of dependence and addiction.

According to the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, during the latter half of the 1990s, heroin initiation rates rose to a level not reached since the 1970s. In 1974, there were an estimated 246,000 heroin initiates. Between 1988 and 1994, the annual number of new users ranged from 28,000 to 80,000. Between 1995 and 2001, the number of new heroin users was consistently greater than 100,000. Overall, approximately 3.7 million Americans reported using heroin at least once in their lifetime.

Hydromorphone

Dilaudid Addiction

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®) is marketed in tablets (2, 4, and 8 mg), suppositories, oral solutions, and injectable formulations. All products are in Schedule II of the CSA. Its analgesic potency is from two to eight times that of morphine, but it is shorter acting and produces more sedation than morphine. Much sought after by narcotic addicts, hydromorphone is usually obtained by the abuser through fraudulent prescriptions or theft. The tablets are often dissolved and injected as a substitute for heroin. In September 2004 the FDA approved the use of Palladone® (hydromorphone hydrochloride) for the management of persistent pain. This extended-release formulation could have the same risk of abuse as OxyContin®.

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is synthesized from thebaine. Like morphine and hydromorphone, oxycodone is used as an analgesic. It is effective orally and is marketed alone in 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg controlled-release tablets (OxyContin®), or 5 mg immediate-release capsules (OxyIR®), or in combination products with aspirin (Percodan®) or acetaminophen (Percocet®) for the relief of pain. All oxycodone products are in Schedule II. Oxycodone is abused orally, or the tablets are crushed and sniffed or dissolved in water and injected. The use of oxycodone has increased significantly. In 1993, about 3.5 tons of oxycodone were manufactured for sale in the United States. In 2003, about 41 tons were manufactured.

Historically, oxycodone products have been popular drugs of abuse among the narcotic abusing population. In recent years, concern has grown among federal, state, and local officials about the dramatic increase in the illicit availability and abuse of OxyContin® products. These products contain large amounts of oxycodone (10 to 160 mg) in a formulation intended for slow release over about a 12-hour period.

Abusers have learned that this slow-release mechanism can be easily circumvented by crushing the tablet and swallowing, snorting, or injecting the drug product for a more rapid and intense high. The criminal activity associated with illicitly obtaining and distributing this drug, as well as serious consequences of illicit use, including addiction and fatal overdose deaths, are of epidemic proportions in some areas of the United States.

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone is structurally related to codeine but more closely related to morphine in its pharmacological profile. As a drug of abuse, it is equivalent to morphine with respect to subjective effects, opiate signs and symptoms, and “liking” scores. Hydrocodone is an effective cough suppressant and analgesic. It is most frequently prescribed in combination with acetaminophen (i.e., Vicodin®, Lortab®) but is also marketed in products with aspirin (Lortab ASA®), ibuprofen (Vicoprofen®) and antihistamines (Hycomine®). All products currently marketed in the United States are either Schedule III combination products primarily intended for pain management or Schedule V antitussive medications often marketed in liquid formulations. The Schedule III products are currently under review at the Federal level to determine if an increase in regulatory control is warranted.

Hydrocodone products are the most frequently prescribed pharmaceutical opiates in the United States with over 111 million prescriptions dispensed in 2003. Despite their obvious utility in medical practice, hydrocodone products are among the most popular pharmaceutical drugs associated with drug diversion, trafficking, abuse, and addiction. In every geographical area in the country, the DEA has listed this drug as one of the most commonly diverted. Hydrocodone is the most frequently encountered opiate pharmaceutical in submissions of drug evidence to federal, state, and local forensic laboratories.

Law enforcement has documented the diversion of millions of dosage units of hydrocodone by theft, doctor shopping, fraudulent prescriptions, bogus “call-in” prescriptions, and diversion by registrants and Internet fraud.

Hydrocodone products are associated with significant drug abuse. Hydrocodone was ranked 6th among all controlled substances in the 2002 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) emergency department (ED) data. Poison control data, DAWN medical examiner (ME) data, and other ME data indicate that hydrocodone deaths are numerous, widespread, and increasing in number. In addition, the hydrocodone acetaminophen combinations (accounting for about 80 % of all hydrocodone prescriptions) carry significant public health risk when taken in excess.

*source: DEA.gov

For more information on drug addiction rehab, over the counter narcotic drug abuse, or drug education, call The Atlanta Recovery Center of Georgia at 1-877-236-3981.

Hydrocodone- Prescription Drug Abuse

The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia, as part of its drug-education campaign, educates the public on the facts about narcotics and narcotics addiction.

With the escalating death toll of those abusing prescription drugs, and the switching to street drugs such as heroin or opium, it is becoming more important to become educated on what narcotics are, how one can become addicted to narcotics, and what are the consequences of narcotics abuse.

What are Narcotics?

The term “narcotic,” derived from the Greek word for stupor, originally referred to a variety of substances that dulled the senses and relieved pain. Today, the term is used in a number of ways. Some individuals define narcotics as those substances that bind at opiate receptors (cellular membrane proteins activated by substances like heroin or morphine), while others refer to any illicit substance as a narcotic. In a legal context, narcotic refers to opium, opium derivatives, and their semi-synthetic substitutes. Cocaine and coca leaves, which are also classified as “narcotics” in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), neither bind at opiate receptors, nor produce morphine-like effects and are discussed in the section on stimulants. For the purposes of this discussion, the term narcotic refers to drugs that produce morphine-like effects.

How are Narcotics used?

Prescription Drug Addiction

Narcotics are used therapeutically to treat pain, suppress cough, alleviate diarrhea, and induce anesthesia. Narcotics are administered in a variety of ways. Some are taken orally, trans-dermally (skin patches), intra-nasally, or injected. They are also available in suppositories, and more recently in “troches,” a form of narcotics that can be sucked like candy. As drugs of abuse, they are often smoked, sniffed, or injected. Drug effects depend heavily on the dose, route of administration, and previous exposure to the drug. Aside from their medical use, narcotics produce a general sense of well-being by reducing tension, anxiety, and aggression. These effects are helpful in a therapeutic setting but contribute to their abuse.

What are the Effects of Narcotic Use?

Narcotic use is associated with a variety of unwanted effects including drowsiness, inability to concentrate, apathy, lessened physical activity, constriction of the pupils, dilation of the subcutaneous blood vessels causing flushing of the face and neck, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and most significantly, respiratory depression. As the dose is increased, the subjective, analgesic (pain relief), and toxic effect become more pronounced. Except in cases of acute intoxication, there is no loss of motor coordination or slurred speech as occurs with many depressants.

The Dangers of Narcotic Abuse

Among the hazards of illicit drug use is the ever-increasing risk of infection, disease, and overdose. Medical complications common among narcotic abusers arise primarily from adulterants found in street drugs and in the non-sterile practices of injecting. Skin, lung, and brain abscesses, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), hepatitis, and AIDS are commonly found among narcotic abusers. While pharmaceutical products have a known concentration and purity, clandestinely produced street drugs have unknown compositions. Since there is no simple way to determine the purity of a drug that is sold on the street, the effects of illicit narcotic use are unpredictable and can be fatal. Physical signs of narcotic overdose include constricted (pinpoint) pupils, cold clammy skin, confusion, convulsions, severe drowsiness, and respiratory depression (slow or troubled breathing). Most narcotic deaths are a result of respiratory depression.

Heroin Addiction

The Start of Narcotics Addiction

With repeated use of narcotics, tolerance and dependence develop. The development of tolerance is characterized by a shortened duration and a decreased intensity of analgesia, euphoria, and sedation, which creates the need to consume progressively larger doses to attain the desired effect. Tolerant users can consume doses far in excess of the dose they initially started with.

Narcotics Addiction

Chronic narcotic use is associated with physical dependence and a withdrawal or abstinence syndrome when drug use is discontinued. In general, shorter acting narcotics tend to produce shorter, more intense withdrawal symptoms, while longer acting narcotics produce a withdrawal syndrome that is protracted but less severe. Although unpleasant, withdrawal from narcotics is rarely life threatening. The withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin/morphine addiction are usually experienced shortly before the time of the next scheduled dose. Early symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, and sweating. Restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, and drug craving appear as the syndrome progresses. Severe depression and vomiting are common. The heart rate and blood pressure are elevated. Chills, alternating with flushing and excessive sweating, are also characteristic symptoms. Pains in the bones and muscles of the back and extremities occur, as do muscle spasms. At any point during this process, a suitable narcotic can be administered to dramatically reverse the withdrawal symptoms. Without intervention, the syndrome will run its course, and most of the overt physical symptoms will disappear within 7 to 10 days.

Psychological Dependence on Narcotics

Prescription drug abuse- Oxycontin

The psychological dependence associated with narcotic addiction is complex and protracted. Long after the physical need for the drug has passed, the addict may continue to think and talk about the use of drugs and feel strange or overwhelmed coping with daily activities without being under the influence of drugs. There is a high probability that relapse will occur after narcotic withdrawal when neither the physical environment, nor the behavioral motivators that contributed to the abuse have been altered.

Patterns of Narcotics Addiction

There are two major patterns of narcotic abuse or dependence seen in the United States. One involves individuals whose drug use was initiated within the context of medical treatment who escalate their dose by obtaining the drug through fraudulent prescriptions and “doctor shopping” or branching out to illicit drugs. The other pattern of abuse is initiated outside the therapeutic setting with experimental or recreational use of narcotics. The majority of individuals in this category may abuse narcotics sporadically for months or even years. Although they may not become addicts, the social, medical, and legal consequences of their behavior are very serious. Some experimental users will escalate their narcotic use and will eventually become dependent, both physically and psychologically. The younger an individual is when drug use is initiated, the more likely the drug use will progress to dependence and addiction.”

*source: DEA.gov

For more information on drug addiction rehab, narcotic drug abuse, or drug education, call The Atlanta Recovery Center of Georgia at 1-877-236-3981.

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Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction, as many people realize, is difficult to kick. Faced with sever withdrawals, the addict often finds it easier to simply keep using heroin, despite the risks of overdosing, contracting HIV or hepatitis, or  being caught by police.

After becoming addicted, the person is reduced to using just to feel normal, not so much to get high.

Unfortunately, many people who have unwittingly become drug-addicted to prescription painkillers, such as OxyContin or Percocet, soon find themselves getting heroin. The reason? Heroin is much, much cheaper.

Aaron, an former heroin addict who graduated from the The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab Georgia three years ago, talks about the long road to recovery.

Life of a Heroin Addict

Interviewed by Mary Rieser, Executive Director, Aaron tells his story:

“I was born in 1978 in Columbus, Ohio to a single mom who did everything she could to give me a good upbringing. She worked a lot of hours but spent good quality time with me. She taught me right from wrong and was a good friend. I wanted to be a rock star when I grew up and got very accomplished at the guitar. I practiced all the time.

“When I was 15 a friend introduced me to pot. That was the beginning of a long drug abuse trend for me. Soon I was doing LSD and other hard drugs. I still managed to keep a job throughout this time. When I was 22 I started doing heroin and that was when my life really went down. I quit working and pawned everything I could to kick the habit. I isolated myself from my family and friends. The only thing I liked was my guitar.

“I did heroin for 5 years. I overdosed twice and almost died both times, but that did not stop me. It took becoming completely homeless, penniless and friendless for me to ask for help. That is how I came to arrive at The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab of Georgia.

“My uncle had a friend who had gone through the The Atlanta Recovery Center program and she was doing very well. My mother thought that I would like the approach and sold me on the program and the set up. I was afraid to come to rehab, but sold on the point that I would get to participate in outside activities. I still decided I would only come for a month, but I did not tell anyone about this decision. However, when I saw how the program was working for me, I decided to graduate and I am very glad I did.

“If you are truly ready to get clean, this is a great place to be. We will help you not only with the drugs, but other things that are necessary for a happy and successful life.

“Anyone who comes here will work with me when they do the The Atlanta Recovery Center New Life Detoxification program. That is where I work now and I love seeing the results. In a few short weeks I get to see slight changes-changes for the better- that are starting to occur in our students. I see them go from thinking about drugs all the time, to reducing or eliminating all the cravings. They start to enjoy other things, once they stop thinking about the drugs. They are happy and look great when they finish the program. I am lucky to be able to help others in this way.

“The results of The Atlanta Recovery Center tell the story. The Atlanta Recovery Center is the place to go because it works.”

For more information on drug addiction rehabilitation or drug education, call The Atlanta Recovery Center of Georgia at 1-877-236-3981.

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Many people often wonder if someone they love is using drugs. No one wants to believe that they might be using drugs. Lack of knowledge won’t solve the problem if one exist. Unless one can identify the signs of heroin drug abuse or heroin drug addiction, getting the help they need is impossible.

Mary Rieser, Executive Director for the Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab, comments: “I recently interviewed a recovering heroin drug addict.  He freely spoke of his heroin addiction throughout his high school years into adulthood. His friends considered him one of the “lucky” ones.  His parents had been able to provide him with a good education give him a hefty allowance and a nice car.

“But they never dreamed that the car and the money made it possible for him to develop and maintain a heroin addiction – one that eventually took the place of school and he dropped out.  Finally it became unnecessary to drive the nice car to the ‘hood’ to buy his heroin.  Heroin business in his neighborhood was burgeoning and dealers started delivering as they still do today.

‘The final delivery is made through some local kids, so there is probably nothing really suspicious looking to the untrained eyes, abundant in this posh neighborhood.  In fact, as he explained, unsuspecting parents in his neighborhood are still buying heroin for their children.

“Research reveals that this neighborhood is not distinct with its unknowing support of drug traffic.   It is happening in other neighborhoods, ones that previously one would have put last on the list of possible drug havens.”

All parents (and anyone for that matter) must be alert to the tell tale signs of heroin abuse.  Heroin can affect behavior in different ways.

•    Some people get hyper while most get lethargic and nod or dope off.
•    A person on heroin (or any opiate drugs) will have constricted, pin point pupils.
•    They may be constantly scratching.
•     A heroin user may get pale, sweaty or thirsty.
•     If the user is injecting there will be needle marks on arms, behind knees or ankles.
•    Long sleeves (worn to cover needle marks) in summer should cause suspicion.

A parent searching their teen’s bedroom for heroin may find a white or brownish powder or a black sticky substance   This is heroin.

Heroin

If you find it, call us right away.  We can help walk you through the steps to get your child to treatment or direct you to an interventionist if needed.

Ms. Rieser continues: “Whatever you do, DO SOMETHING.  Heroin is dangerous.  Heroin users don’t even know what they are getting as most street heroin is ‘cut’ with other drugs or substances such as sugar, starch, quinine, strychnine or fentanyl.   Because the user doesn’t know the actual strength or true contents of the drug they are at risk for overdose or death. And this risk presents itself day in and day out because the typical heroin addict will have to inject three to eight times a day, depending on their addiction.

“Long-term addiction is unhealthy and can be almost impossible to overcome without a workable program.   It is no secret that drug addicts are mal-nourished and open to disease. Drug addicts don’t eat well.  And drugs of abuse will deplete natural body chemicals.  Drug metabolites (the broken down form of the drug) store in various parts of the body, adding to the situation.   All of these factors make it difficult for addicts to stop using.  They try for a while to stop taking the drug, but become too uncomfortable.  The body is accustomed to having the drug and not being up to operating normally, demands the drug.  And the craving continues.  With no apparent end in sight to the suffering, most addicts will continue as long using as they are not stopped by some life disaster, prison or rehab.”

The Atlanta Recovery Center Program can address these factors that make it nearly impossible for an addict to stop drug use.  Along with any necessary medical support, simple nutritional supplements can help the body adjust and heal.  And the New Life Detoxification Program can help clean out the metabolites which contribute to cravings.   Many former addicts report that the drugs are not longer “talking” to them – i.e. they are in control.