21/08/2023
Opioids are substances(either synthetic or natural) that act on opoid receptors to produce morphine like effects (which include sedation, euphoria, respiratory depression, constipation, cough depression.)
These drugs have a high capacity to produce dependency i.e addiction in individuals who abuse it because of its euphoric effect(a powerful sense of contentment and well being) but these euphoric effect is only temporary depending on the dose and the amount of times its taken. So a constant ingestion of the drug is required to get this euphoric feeling resulting in addiction.
The major opoids abused in Nigeria include: morphine, codein, he**in, and tramadol. Tramadol and codeine being the highest.
I'm not here to give us a lecture on opioids, what I want to do is to bring us to an understanding of the mechanism behind dependency. Because it is necessary as health professionals that we understand this mechanism to know how to tackle it clinically.
It's also to trigger an awareness among the youths towards the dangers of opoid addiction.
The first question is what is addiction? Addiction is a disorder of the brain’s reward system where the user is compelled to engage in rewarding behaviours – in this case, taking codeine or tramadol – despite an awareness of the negative consequences. Because of the euphoric effect of the drug(rewarding effect) they continue taking it despite its consequences.
An opioid addiction can result in an opioid overdose which is characterised by respiratory depression which can lead to death.
Signs of opioid addiction
Physical signs:
• Blue tinges on the lips and fingernail beds
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Itching
• Rashes
• Urinary retention
• Low blood pressure
• Decreased s*x drive
• Respiratory depression
• Seizures
• Pupil dilation
Psychological signs:
• Psychosis
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Worsening of mental health
• Increased mental illness symptoms
