Pharmaceutical opioids are a group of medicines that may be prescribed to treat pain. These medicines are very effective to treat pain when prescribed and used correctly, but they are highly addictive and must always be used under close supervision of a doctor. Illicit opioids are a group of illegal substances under the classification of a depressant because opioids slow down the brain and the central nervous system. They have similar effects to pharmaceutical opioids, but are unregulated, often vary in strength, they may be contaminated with other dangerous substances and are therefore unpredictable in their effects.
How common are opioid substance use disorders in Australia for all people aged 14+?
Highest to lowest substance use in Australia for 14+ years old:
Opioids are ranked 4th and 8th in relation to all substance use disorders and substance misuse.
Opioid antagonist are substances that block the opioid receptors in the nervous system. These can help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can be used to treat substance use disorders.
Opioids, including heroin, methadone, opium, morphine and codeine, work by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain. Opioid antagonists block and replace opioid substances from the nervous system receptors, thereby stopping and reversing the effects of the opioids, including the sensations of being “high” and cravings.
Opioid use can result in a range of different social and health-related harms.
Opioid poisoning can be caused when people:
Three signs of opioid poising include loss of consciousness, respiratory depression and pinpoint pupils. Poisoning can result in hospitalisation and death.
Social harms of opioid use may include injuries and death related to violence to or by someone using opioids, driving under the influence, bloodborne viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis C and antisocial behaviour. The opioid burden of disease in 2011 was a total of 0.9% of the total in Australia. These account for accidental poisoning at 63%, and opioid dependence at 30%. A further 7.8% of the burden was attributed to suicide and self-inflicted injuries.
Opioid dependence is recognised by changes in behavioural, cognitive and physical wellbeing. This includes:
At Fresh Start we offer a supported rapid detoxification through pharmacotherapy. We utilize opioid antagonists and supporting pharmaceuticals to decrease and manage withdrawal symptoms when opioid use ceases. We encourage patients to stop using 3 to 4 days prior to medical detoxification to further minimise the impacts of withdrawal symptoms.
The Fresh Start Clinic team work together to minimise and decrease the effects of withdrawal symptoms. They will also discuss support needs including access to appropriate living arrangements, and medical and other professional support during this period.
Recovery from substance use disorders is possible through careful medical management, counselling support and the appropriate addiction treatment.
Opioid harm in Australia: and comparisons between Australia and Canada (Full publication;[24 Oct 2018]edition) (AIHW)
