Beyond addiction concerns because of their narcotic effects, opiates can cause such problems as diarrhea, nausea, appetite loss, sleep problems, anxiety, headaches, libido loss and weight gain. In some cases, they can lead to constipation, dizziness, cough, dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness and general fatigue.

Because opiates are controlled substances, they are only available legally with a prescription, and medical professionals generally only prescribe them for a short duration. However, there is a thriving black market for pills, and those with recurring pain may be driven to seek out the drugs, no matter the consequences.

Unfortunately, it is that element that makes medical professionals wary of prescribing opiates and sometimes too cautious about cutting off the supply before patients are fully recovered from the pain that led them to treatment. This is particularly tragic when the patient suffers from cancer or some other life-ending ailment that brings acute pain.

History and Opiates

Opiates (sometimes referred to as opioids) date back as far as the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia. They were among the first people in recorded history to cultivate and use the poppy plant, which they referred to as the joy plant. The use of poppies as a medicinal source soon spread throughout civilization.

But in the 19th century, new concerns arose with the arrival of morphine, an opium extract. It was soon noticed that while morphine relieved pain, stopping its use induced withdrawal symptoms. So it was that a new derivative, heroin, was created and introduced to the medicine field.