Facts You Should Know About Opiates - IDHS 4496

State of Illinois
Department of Human Services

Facts You Should Know About Opiates

Opiates are habit-forming drugs that dull the senses, relieve pain, and induce sleep. They may be in the form of a tar-like substance, or white or brownish powder. Three types of opiates are codeine, heroin, and morphine. Opiate pain medications like oxycodone are also included in this group of powerful narcotics.

Slang Terms:

Smack 

Horse

Brown sugar 

Junk

Black Tar 

Dope

School boy 

White stuff

Harry 

Cube

Mud 

Big H

Skag 

Morf

Methods of Intake:

Injected 

Smoked

Snorted

THE HIGH:

Opiates can launch a wave of intense pleasure followed by a few hours of feelings of peace.

THE LOW:

Opiates can trigger a number of unpleasant, sometimes deadly effects.

Side Effects:

Vomiting 

Cloudy thinking  

Coma 

Slowed motor skills

Constipation 

Dilated pupils

Unconsciousness 

Drowsiness

Depression of respiration

Withdrawal Symptoms:

Withdrawal symptoms begin within 24 hours after the last use and may last up to 7-10 days.

Uneasiness 

Yawning

Crying 

Diarrhea

Abdominal cramps 

Goose bumps

Runny nose 

Tremors

Weight Loss

Sources:

  • http://onhelath.com/conditions/condctr/substance/item,51699.asp ;
  • http://www.drugfreeamerica.org ;
  • http://www.lec.org/DrugSearch/Documents/Opiates.html

SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FACILITY LOCATOR

If you would like to know what substance abuse treatment providers are in your community, contact one of the following helplines:

1-800-662-HELP

1-800-662-9832 (Espanol)

1-800-228-0427 (TTY)

OR, visit the following website:

http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/TreatmentLocator

If you have any questions about alcohol or other drugs, call:

Illinois Department of Human Services

Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse

1-866-213-0548 (toll-free Voice)

1-866-843-7344 (toll-free TTY)

If you have questions about Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) programs or services please call or visit your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). We will answer your questions. If you do not know where your FCRC is or if you are unable to go there, you may call the automated helpline 24 hours a day at:

 1-800-843-6154

 1-866-324-5553 (TTY)

You may speak to a representative between:

8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday (except state holidays)

Visit our website at: www.dhs.state.il.us


Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.

DHS 4496 (R-04-14) Drug Series - Opiates Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. 200 copies P.O.#14-1078