⚕️ Opioids
Source: Harm Reduction Victoria · DanceWize Victoria SSB
Overview
Opioids are a class of medication used for pain relief and sedation that interact with opioid receptors in the central nervous system.
Opioids are a class of medication that are used for their pain relieving and sedative properties. They have been the mainstay of analgesia for thousands of years. Opioids, including those naturally derived from the opium (poppy) plant, and those created in the lab are all substances that interact with the opioid receptors in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Our bodies produce their own natural opioids, called endorphins. Opioids reduce the nerve transmission to the brain and reduce feelings of pain and affect those brain areas controlling emotion. They are used to treat moderate to severe pain.
These include: Codeine (ie. Panadeine, Nurofen Plus, Mersyndol, Dolased, Panafen Plus), Dihydrocodeine (ie. Paramol), Tramadol, Oxycodone (ie.
Endone, Percocet), Morphine sulfate (ie. MS Contin), Methadone (ie. Biodone, Physeptone), Buprenorphine (ie.
Suboxone, Subutex), Hydromorphone (ie. Dilaudid), Fentanyl (ie. Durogesic (transdermal patches), Actiq (lozenges/lollipops), Sublimaze (intravenous injection)).
Safer Using
Try to use somewhere you feel safe, around people you trust. Wait a minimum of 30 minutes after eating. Carry naloxone at all times (reverses an overdose).
'Start Low - Go Slow'. When swallowing: Use as per recommended on packaging if available. When injecting: Use your own, new and sterile injecting equipment (inc.
water when mixing). Wash your hands thoroughly before and after. Learn about safer injecting practices.
Many opioids are now tamper (ie. injecting) proof and do not mix up well—This can result in dangerous outcomes if injecting resulting in vein and skin injuries. Dispose of syringes & equipment responsibly.
When snorting: Crush to fine powder as crystals can cause little cuts. Snort water before and after to protect your nose. Use your own straw/spoon (& not money bills) to avoid infection or blood borne viruses (HIV/HVC).
Repeated snorting can damage your nose, switch nostrils regularly and take breaks. When shelving (dry)/plugging (wet mix): Use lubrication to avoid tearing the skin. Use a condom or latex/vinyl glove to avoid internal scratches.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after. Use sterile water to mix with powdered pill. Find a discreet and safe place to do it.
⚠ Avoid Combining With
Alcohol - nausea and vomiting at low doses and higher doses can cause respiratory/breathing failure. Other depressants e.g. other opioids, GHB, Heroin & benzodiazepine i.e.
Valium - Can cause a loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing & respiratory failure which can lead to death. Ketamine, DXM, MXE, Nitrous Oxide - Can cause respiratory/breathing failure. Stimulants eg.
Amphetamines and Cocaine - can cause heart strain. MAOIs - Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) with certain opioids have been associated with rare reports of severe and fatal adverse reactions. SSRIs eg.
some anti-depressants. Cannabis - Is low risk and can sometimes have synergy. Psychedelics (LSD, Mushrooms, DMT, Mescaline) - Low risk with no synergy.
It is Not recommended that you use opioids if you're at risk of: Sleep apnea, Obesity, Anxiety or depression, Fibromyalgia (characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain).
🚨 If Things Go Wrong
Roadside saliva tests do not look for opioids but other substances can be detected that might have been cut into opioids. It is illegal to drive under the influence of any illicit drugs, including opioids and any driver may be subject to a roadside behavioural impairment test. Wait at least 24 hours before driving.
Physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of last use. This includes sneezing, excessive yawning, coughing, sweating, chills, restless legs, irritability, moodiness, insomnia, severe muscle & bone pain, diarrhea, increased urinating, dehydration, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, cramps, involuntary spasms, sensitive genitals (females).
Carrying drugs & paraphernalia puts you at greater risk of criminal charges (inc. trafficking, even if you don't deal). Know your local laws.
Effects
Euphoria Feeling of wellbeing Contentment Relief of anxiety Moodiness Depression Decreased Sexual Desire Confusion Pain Relief Paranoia Sensitivity to light Constant stress or anxiety about getting the next hit to avoid feeling 'sick' or withdrawals Death Insomnia Slowed breathing Decreased heart rate Decreased blood pressure Warm sensations in extremities Lethargy Drowsiness Sedation Constipation Decreased saliva production resulting in oral health issues (long term use) Itchiness Irregular menstruation Hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) Unconsciousness Nausea/Vomiting Respiratory depression/ failure Muscle spasms Death Risk of Coma Brain damage due to respiratory depression Bluish fingers, toes, lips
Dose & Duration
Most commonly swallowed but can also be crushed and snorted, injected (IV or IM) or shelved (rectal). Opioids vary in the duration of their effects depending on route of administration, dose, etc. From 15 minutes - 36 hours, e.g.
pethidine is much shorter acting than oxycodone. Even though the apparent effects of the drug may have worn off, Opioids can stay active for a long period of time (up to a couple of days) dependent on what type. Do your research.
Half Life is dependent on the type of opioid and the ingestion routes. It's always best practice to research the specific substance you are taking.