Ohio Opiate Addiction Rehab in Cincinnati

Morphine was originally developed from the opium poppy plant and concentrated poppy straw and used to relieve severe pain, but it has the potential to be extremely addictive because of its effects on the brain. Morphine can be taken in the form of a tablet or syrup, though it can also be injected or smoked. People are often first introduced to morphine when they use it after major surgeries or to treat their cancer-related pain.

Heroin is made from morphine and can come in various forms, from white or brown powder to a black sticky substance. Originally intended to be less addictive than morphine, heroin has turned out to be far more potent than morphine and is considered the most addictive drug in the world. Heroin users usually inject, sniff, snort, or smoke heroin, and many people with addictions will mix heroin with other drugs, like crack cocaine. Beyond the risk of developing an addiction, heroin usage also puts users at a higher risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C if it’s injected with unsterilized needles. Heroin overdose often results in slowed breathing, which can cause further damage like brain damage, induced coma, and death.

Codeine is an opiate that is often prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain, and it’s also used in cough syrup. The drug is the most commonly ingested opiate and once it reaches the brain, it impacts the reward center to produce addictive feelings like pleasure. Many people who have codeine addictions ingest the drug in a syrup mixed with soda or alcohol – in the South, “purple drank” or "lean" are common street names used for this type of mixture. People who are addicted to codeine may experience a decreased appetite, weight loss, anxiety or depression, mood swings, and more.