About Opiates
The term opiate refers to the alkaloids (nitrogen containing organic compounds) found in opium, which is extracted from the seed pods of the opium poppy plant.
Traditionally and colloquially, the term opiate referred to the derivatives of morphine. However, the broader term ‘opioid’ is the more appropriate term that encompasses all drugs, both natural and synthetic, with opium or morphine-like pharmacological action.
The primary opiates derived from opium are morphine, codeine and thebaine. These are narcotics, used for their analgesic (pain relieving) properties. Opiates act as CNS (Central Nervous System) depressants.
Addiction
Prolonged use of any opiates eventually changes the brain in fundamental and lasting ways, which explains why addicts cannot simply quit without professional help. This is why treatment is essential. Drugs of abuse take over the brain’s normal pleasure and motivational systems, advancing the drug use to the highest priority in the individual’s motivational hierarchy, thus overriding all other motivations and drives. These brain changes are responsible for the compulsion to seek/use drugs, which is defined as addiction.
Get free confidential help
Hope starts here. You don't have. to navigate this alone. If you’re feeling defeated, anxious or stressed about getting someone you love into recovery, you’re in the right place. Getting help for a loved one can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With...

Understanding The Intervention and Recovery Process
Addiction intervention services aim to help the family of an addict convince their loved one of the damage their addictive behavior is causing and that outside help is necessary to address the addiction. Most addicted people cling to the belief that they will be able...

Help A Loved One Overcome Addiction
An intervention can motivate someone to seek help for alcohol or drug abuse, compulsive eating, or other addictive behaviors. Discover when to hold one and how to make it successful.
– By Mayo Clinic Staff –

INTERVENTION – TIPS AND GUIDELINES
What is an intervention? Intervention is a professionally directed, education process resulting in a face to face meeting of family members, friends and/or employer with the person in trouble with alcohol or drugs. People who struggle with addiction are often in...