Opiate Use Disorder
Use or abuse of heroin or prescription pain medicines may lead to addition or dependence. Examples of pain medicines are oxycodone, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, and fentanyl. Once this occurs, you are at greater risk for any of these:
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Craving for the drug. Being unable to stop using the drug even though you think you want to stop. This is psychological addiction.
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Drug withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the drug (physical dependence)
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Loss of your job or your family
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Arrest, conviction, and jail sentence for possession of an illegal substance. Or for driving under the influence of such a substance.
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Accidental injuries to yourself or others while you are under the influence of the drug in a car or at home
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Death or serious injury from overdose
Xylazine is a sedative and pain reliever approved only for animals. It's not approved or safe for people. It's known by the street name tranq. Xylazine has been found in street drugs, especially heroin and fentanyl. It has been linked to overdoses and death. Severe side effects from xylazine include slow heart beat and breathing, low blood pressure, skin sores, and coma.
Health problems
The list of potential health problems is a long one. It can be different with different medicines. They can cause problems even if you have no history of health problems. It's also affected by other medicines you may be taking. And it's affected by chronic illnesses you may have. Besides the problems listed above, abuse also has other effects. Some are tied directly to the drugs. Others are from or related to addiction or dependency.
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Anxiety
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Seizures
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Constipation
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Liver infection (hepatitis)
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Liver failure
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Blood pressure problems
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Depression
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Suicidal thoughts or attempts
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Insomnia
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Nausea, vomiting, and stomach problems
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Drowsiness
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Slurred speech
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Trouble breathing
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Dizziness
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Skin infections
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Muscle pain and spasms
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Stroke
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Heart attack
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Kidney failure
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HIV infection
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Skin infections
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Other sexually transmitted infections
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Severe and fatal infection of the heart valves
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Coma and death
Home care
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Admit you have a drug problem. Ask for help from your family, close friends. and your healthcare provider.
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Seek professional help. This could be one-on-one psychotherapy, counseling, or a drug treatment program. The drug treatment program could be outpatient or residential.
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Join a self-help group for people who abuse drugs.
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Stay away from friends, family, and acquaintances who abuse drugs themselves or tempt you to continue your habit.
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Eat a balanced diet. Begin a regular exercise program.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. Contact one of the resources below for help:
Call 911
Call 911 if any of these occur:
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Seizure
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Trouble breathing or slow, irregular breathing
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Chest pain
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Sudden weakness on one side of your body or sudden trouble speaking
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Very drowsy or trouble awakening
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Fainting or loss of consciousness
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Rapid heart rate
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Very slow heart rate
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Symptoms of withdrawal. These include agitation, anxiety, trembling, sweats, diarrhea, unable to sleep.
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Fever of 100.4ºF (38.0ºC) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
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Too much drowsiness or you can't be awakened
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Redness, swelling, or tenderness at an injection site
Online Medical Reviewer:
L Renee Watson MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Paul Ballas MD
Date Last Reviewed:
6/1/2022
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.