Opiates are opium obtained from milk of poppy capsules, and substances synthesized from it - morphine, heroin and levomethadone. Aqueous solutions of these substances are used as medicinal raw materials. These substances can be very dangerous, because with uncontrolled use cause pronounced euphoria and pathological predilection. They are among the most common drugs that promote the development of physical and mental dependence.
Symptoms of acute poisoning:
1. Euphoria, pallor.
2.Nause and vomiting.
3. Narrowing the pupils after a while.
4. Dilation of pupils.
5. Inhibition of breathing.
6. Violation of the heart and circulatory system.
7. Coma.
8. Constipation.
9. Violations of urination.
10. Impaired consciousness.
Dependence and overdose.
With a pathological predilection for opiates, the dose of these substances is gradually increased, which leads to their accumulation in the body. As a result, an overdose (the dose that causes intoxication can differ) causes poisoning, one of the symptoms is respiratory paralysis.
The causes of opiate poisoning.
There is a single cause of opiate poisoning - drug overdose. In this case, the opiate acts through the so-called opioid receptors - the specific nerve endings of neurons in the brain. When the opioids are attached to the receptors, the functions of the nervous system are disrupted - the same is explained by the analgesic effect of opiates and the poisoning caused by them.
Treatment of poisoning with opiates.
With severe opiate poisoning, the main task is to provide artificial ventilation of the patient's lungs, thus preventing possible disabilities caused by respiratory paralysis. There is also an antidote - naloxone, which displaces opiates from specific receptors. If the drugs were taken orally, then the stomach is washed and the bladder is catheterized.
How to help yourself?
When poisoning, do something yourself too late. Noticing the first symptoms of poisoning, it is necessary to call a medical service.
When should I see a doctor?
Often poisoning with opiates is a consequence of a pathological predilection for them. Therefore, as soon as the first signs of drug dependence show up, you should immediately contact a doctor-narcologist. Poisoning with opiates often indicates drug dependence. The consequences of this dependence severely affect the health and social well-being of a person.
If the doctor eliminates life-threatening poisoning symptoms and the patient's condition improves, he is referred to a narcologist, who in turn (if possible, the patient's desire is necessary) begins treatment for drug dependence.
Is poisoning dangerous by opiates?
Almost always poisoning with opiates is the last stage of drug dependence, which leads to spiritual, physical and social degradation of a person, and even to death.
Course of the disease.
When poisoning with opiates immediately begins a strong nausea, persistent vomiting, narrowing the pupils, the skin turns pale and acquires a bluish tinge.
Breathing becomes superficial, the pulse is filiform. Then there is a depression of breathing, a violation of the heart and circulatory system, the dilatation of the pupils, and, in the end, a coma.
How to avoid opiate poisoning?
First of all, you need to get rid of drug dependence. The main thing is that a person in time to realize what danger he is threatened and turned to the doctor. Below are briefly the main stages of drug addiction:
1. Pathological craving for the use of narcotic substances, their acquisition at any cost.
2. The occurrence of a constant dose increase need.
3. The emergence of physical and mental dependence.
4. Complete degradation of a person as a person.