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| Introduction
Synthetic Opiates is the name given to a group of drugs, which are man made. These drugs include Pethidine and Methadone. They are all depressant drugs and have similar effects; the heart beats more slowly, breathing slows down and becomes shallower, so less oxygen is taken in and blood pressure falls. The major difference between them is that Pethidine has a short half life (doesn't last long) and Methadone has a long half-life. Because of Methadone's long half-life and an ability to block the effects of other opiates it is used as a treatment for opiate addiction. This treatment is called Methadone Maintenance Treatment or MMT for short.
Form
Pethidine comes in tablets of 50mg and 100mg or as a liquid; 50mg/1ml.
Methadone is most generally available as a liquid for oral consumption ; 2mg/1ml, 5mg/1ml and 10mg/1ml. It is also available as a pill of 5mg and as a liquid for injection 10mg/1ml.
Desired Effects
Synthetic opiates are powerful drugs and have the following desired qualities
Pethidine like morphine or heroin produces "The Rush", this is the initial effect of the drug immediately after administration, usually intravenous injection. It is an euphoric wave of well being in which all pain, mental, physical and emotional disappears. This is a highly addictive effect psychologically.
Methadone is a little different in that it can induce some initial rush when injected, however the rush is not as strong as other opiates. Its pain killing effects are long lasting, typically up to 12 hours.
Small quantities of Synthetic opiates make people very talkative, energised, impassioned and confident.
Larger quantities send users into a trance like state in which they lose themselves into an interior world. This commonly termed "nodding" or being on the "nod".
These effects peak in 1-2 hours and depending on tolerance levels and strength, the major effects wear off in 3 to 6 hours.
Administration
Usually injected intravenously.
Addicive Potential
Synthetic opiates are physically addictive and psychologically addictive. Tolerance develops quickly, and the euphoric "rush" diminishes. Tolerance also falls quickly and therefore the overdose potential is high.
Dangers
 The principle danger is infection with blood borne viruses like Hepatitis C and to a lesser extent HIV. Since most opiates are injected and a high proportion of users already have Hepatitis C this is the greatest risk. For more information about Safer Injection techniques CLICK HERE.
Overdoses can occur with Synthetic opiates, especially Methadone if mixed with other depressants like alcohol or sedatives. Because of Methadone's long lasting attributes extra care must be taken to ensure that an overdose victim once revived doesn't lapse back into unconsciousness and stop breathing. For information about how to avoid overdoses or what to do if someone goes over CLICK HERE
Addiction to Synthetic opiates is common. To learn more about tolerance and addiction CLICK HERE
Because of the strong depressant nature of Synthetic opiates do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery as accidents can easily occur. Smoking tobacco or cannabis whilst using Synthetic opiates can also be dangerous since you may lose consciousness and start a fire.
If you use Synthetic opiates on your own there is a risk of becoming unconscious.
Undesired Side Effects
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of using Synthetic opiates.
Pethidine in pill form requires filtering before injection to reduce the risk of abscesses and infections. For more information about filtering CLICK HERE
Because Methadone is most commonly consumed orally and is therefore not a sterile solution, there is a risk of abscesses and infections unless the drugs are well filtered. For more information about filtering CLICK HERE
Harm Reduction
Not using Synthetic opiates is the safest option.
If you do choose to use Synthetic opiates:
Do not use alone; you may lose consciousness, which can lead to accidents such as burns, mechanical injuries or choking. Overdoses can also occur and if you use opiates alone you may not survive one.
If you are going to inject Synthetic opiates:
Always use a new needle and syringe, one for each person using. Don't share Needles and Syringes
The sharing of drug preparation equipment such as spoons, tourniquets, filters etc has been shown to transmit Hepatitis C.
Prepare your drugs for injection separately.
Always filter your drugs. CLICK HERE for more information about filtering drugs. |
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