Drug Index

Opiates - Pain Killers
Opiates come from the juice in the unripe seedpods of the opium poppy. These drugs are used medically to relieve pain, coughing and diarrhea. They also offer an intense euphoric effect for people seeking a high. Opiates give a brief dream-like sense of well being and relaxation. Their use results, very quickly, in addiction. Heroin accounts for a large percentage of opiate abuse. However, medicines such as morphine, meperidine, and cough medicines with codeine are also abused and can lead to addiction. Side effects of opiates include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, euphoria, mood swings and mental confusion. Over time, opiate users may develop infections of the heart lining and valves, skin abscesses and congested lungs.