Opiods & Benzos

OPIOIDS:

(Smack, Scag, Mistys, Morph)

Opioids may not be drugs one takes with the aim of having a good night out partying – but it’s not uncommon for people to go downtown after a night uptown...

Derived from the poppy, opiates have been used for thousands of years for their strong painkilling properties and for pleasure. They are depressants and are generally quick-acting, particularly when injected. Used in small amounts, opiates can make people surprisingly energetic and chatty whereas larger doses relax the user to such an extent that they ‘nod off’ and it’s this relaxing effect which some people are seeking after a night out.

However, using an opiate to delay an uncomfortable comedown after using stimulants is a bit like using a sledge-hammer to crack a nut. There are much safer ways to deal with coming down (pre-loading, taking Vitamin C before and after your partying, drinking water, etc). And of course injecting opiates puts you at risk of a dirty taste, disease transmission and infection. If you’re going to inject anything, visit your local needle exchange for clean equipment and check out www.needle.co.nz(external link)

Synthetic opioids like methadone (not made from the poppy) take longer to come on; unfortunately people sometimes become impatient and take more and OD. It's hard to find a correct dose – what's enough for one person may be way too much for someone else – so if you're not legally prescribed methadone, avoid it.

BENZOS:

(Rivies, Vs, blues, jellies, footballs, sere’s)

It’s also pretty common for people to drop benzos to smooth the comedown; they relax you and you’re likely to get a good night’s – or day’s – sleep, but you could also wake up feeling cranky and exhausted, and that feeling can hang around for a few days. It’s important to remember that the different brands of benzos have slightly different effects and some are stronger than others. And even though benzos are legal, they’re still classified as Class C. So if you’re holding some that weren’t prescribed for you and you get picked up by the cops, prepare to go for a skate. (That goes double for opiates, legal or not!)

Remember with these drugs – especially opioids – if you have never used before, you only need a very small amount. Overdose with these drugs is particularly dangerous as they stop you from breathing.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else's drug use, contact CADS now on 09-845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz