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