Opioid Dependence

What is Opioid Dependence ❓

 Opioids are strong painkillers 💊

 Examples: codeine, morphine (and also heroin)

 High risk of addiction/dependency/tolerance with long term use 📆

 Risk factors: being; male, vulnerable and/or having painful health conditions

What are the Symptoms of Opioid Dependence ❓

 Desire/compulsion

 Difficulty in controlling use 🚫

 Tolerance of higher doses

 Neglect of self and pleasure/interests 🎵

 Opioid intoxication:

Small pinpoint pupils 👀

Feeling drowsy 💤

Slow breathing

 Withdrawal symptoms:

 Sweating 😰

 Headaches

 Insomnia (sleep disturbance) 🛌

 Tremor

 Anxiety/depression 😢

How do you Diagnose Opioid Dependence ❓

 Medical assessment 📋

 Drug testing (saliva/urine test) 🔬

How do you Treat Opioid Dependence ❓

 Substitution therapy (to reduce or stop dependence)

 Advice to reduce risk/harm:

 Vaccinations for hepatitis B and tetanus 👨‍⚕️

 Overdose prevention e.g. naloxone to reverse overdose in an emergency

 Specialist addiction centres in some cases

Why should I Worry about Opioid Dependence ❓

 Can lead to social/health problems (e.g. crime and depression) 👪

 Higher risk of death due to overdose, suicide, and violence

 Higher risk of infections (e.g. HIV/Hepatitis C)