Levels of use 
According to the 2004 NHS:
- 0.7% of 14-19 year olds reported that they had tried opioids
- 0.25% of 14-19 year olds reported use in the previous twelve months.
Pharmacology
Substances in this group may act as analgesics (they relieve physical pain) and depressants. Some are used for medical purposes and some are used as illicits. They may be synthetic or made from opium poppies (opiates).
Forms of opioids
Opiates
- codeine (such as in some cough mixtures)
- heroin
- morphine (such as MS Contin and OxyContin)
- opium
Synthetic opioids
- buprenorphine hydrochloride / Temgesic
- methadone / Physeptone
- pethidine
Immediate effects
- Relieve physical pain
- Detached, dreamy sensation / sleepiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Constriction of the pupils in the eye ('pinned')
Longer term effects
- Development of dependence
- Chance of overdose, which can cause death
- Health issues related to drug using lifestyle and injection drug use issues
A dose that is too high (overdose) can cause a person to become unconscious and stop breathing. Death can also be caused by aspiration of vomitus, where the lungs fill with vomit.
Special considerations
-
Tolerance to opioids and dependence - can develop quickly. Some synthetic opioids have been developed to have pain-relieving effects and be less likely to cause dependence quickly.
-
Injecting the substances - with a needle that is not sterile can cause hepatitis, abscesses, and blood poisoning. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is easily spread from one person to another through blood left on the needle, or mixed in with the drug preparation. Hepatitis C is common among injectors who share equipment.
-
Pregnancy - if the mother is using opioids, the unborn baby will also be exposed to the substance. If the mother is dependent on the substance and not eating and sleeping well, the development of the unborn baby can be affected. Depending on how much of the drug is being used by the mother and the general health of the mother, the newborn can go through withdrawal after birth. If the mother is using opioids while breast-feeding, some of the drug may be passed on to the baby.
It is important for a pregnant woman not to stop using opioids suddenly. Sudden cessation can make the mother and baby quite unwell. She should consult a doctor.
Signs of withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Runny nose
- Pain (esp. back and legs)
- Insomnia
Most opioid withdrawal can usually be managed at home with support. However, medical advice on how to manage withdrawal is useful, especially if the young person has been using large amounts.
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Working with Young People with Alcohol or Other Drug Issues: A self-paced learning package Published: 2006 Funded by NSW Drug & Alcohol Workforce Development Council. Written & compiled by Kristy Delaney, YAPA, and Matt Stubbs & John Howard, Ted Noffs Institute. Additional material by Nick Manning, YAPA, & by Shopfront Youth Legal Centre. Opinions are the author's.
Be careful! YAPA and the authors took reasonable care to ensure that this information was correct at the time of publishing. However health information, and government regulations, laws and standards are complex and changing. The authors may not have health, safety, or legal qualifications, and information provided is general - it is not specific health, legal or professional advice. Do not rely on it - check with other publications and authorities and if necessary get qualified, medical, legal or professional advice for your situation.
