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Opiates - Di from CADS on opiates and reducing harm
Wednesday, 19 July 2006.
Originally from express article 19 July 2006
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
(Taken from the site www.needle.co.nz. This is an excellent site and includes information on safe injecting practises and needle exchange locations).
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| Opiates - derived from the poppy. |
Introduction
Opiates is the name given to a group of drugs which are all based on the extract of the opium poppy. These drugs are called codeine, Homebake, morphine, heroin and opium from poppies. They are all depressant drugs and have similar effects; the heart beats more slowly, breathing slows down and becomes shallower, so less oxygen is taken in and blood pressure falls. The major difference between them is the strength of the different drugs in this category.
Form
Homebake is made by converting codeine based pharmaceuticals into morphine. It is either sold as a liquid ready for injection or as crystals which are dissolved and injected.
Morphine is most generally available as Morphine Sulphate tablets in various strengths from 10mg to 200mg, or as LA Morph, Sevredol or Kapanol capsules. These are then prepared, acytelated, filtered and injected.
Heroin is fairly rare and expensive in New Zealand and, when available, is usually white or off white powder. Most heroin in NZ originates in SE Asia and is dissolved for injection.
Addictive Potential
- Opiates are physically addictive.
- Opiates are psychologically addictive, the addictive potential increases with the strength. i.e. heroin is more addictive than morphine, which in turn is more addictive than Homebake or opium from poppies. Cravings for heroin and morphine can be severe.
- Tolerance develops quickly, and the euphoric "rush" diminishes. Tolerance also falls quickly and therefore the overdose potential is high.
Dangers
The principle danger is infection with blood borne viruses like Hepatitis C and to a lesser extent HIV. Since most opiates are injected and a high proportion of users already have Hepatitis C this is the greatest risk.
Overdoses are relatively uncommon in New Zealand since heroin is rare. However overdoses do occur when opiates like morphine, Homebake or opium from poppies are mixed with other depressants like alcohol, methadone or sedatives.
Addiction to opiates is common. Because of the strong depressant nature of opiate drugs do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery as accidents can easily occur. Smoking tobacco or cannabis whilst using opiates can also be dangerous since you may lose consciousness and start a fire.
Undesired Side Effects
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of using opiates.
Since the most common opiates in New Zealand are morphine sulphate tablets the risk of abscesses and infections is high unless the drugs are well filtered.
Harm Reduction
Not using Opiates is the safest option.
If you do choose to use Opiates: Do not use alone; you may lose consciousness which can lead to accidents such as burns, mechanical injuries or choking. Overdoses can also occur and if you use opiates alone you may not survive one.
If you are going to inject opiates: Always use a new needle and syringe, one for each person using. Don't share Needles and Syringes. The sharing of drug preparation equipment such as spoons, tourniquets, filters etc has been shown to transmit Hepatitis C. Prepare your drugs for injection separately. Always boil and filter your drugs, most opiates in New Zealand are relatively impure and the level of contamination is high. You can reduce these risks by using a filter.
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's
opiate or other drug use, or if you'd like more information, contact
CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz
or if you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800
787 797.
About express
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& scene, GABA newsletter, and Personals.
For more information, visit their website:www.gayexpress.co.nz
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