O–R

opiates Drugs derived from opium, the dried sap
of the Papaver somniferum poppy plant. P. som-
niferumis the only one of about 120 species in the
Papaver family of poppy plants that produces
opium; other species are common ornamental
flowering annuals or perennials. In the United
States opiates are SCHEDULED DRUGS, restricting legal
use and possession to physician prescription.
HEROIN, which derives from morphine, is a sched-
ule 1 drug, a classification that prohibits posses-
sion and use. Opiates have moderate to high risk
for TOLERANCE, DEPENDENCE, and ADDICTION.
Most opiates are NARCOTICSused for analgesia
(PAIN relief) or ANESTHESIA (loss of sensation).
Opium is the main ingredient in the medication
paregoric, sometimes used to treat DIARRHEA.
Because opiates suppress the COUGH REFLEX, pre-
scription antitussive medications often contain
them (notably codeine and hydrocodone). The
most effective opiate for significant pain relief,
such as pain after surgery or terminal pain, is mor-
phine, which became available in sustained-
release tablets in the 1990s. The most commonly
used opiates are hydrocodone and codeine, which
appear in numerous products to relieve moderate
pain and also for cough relief.

COMMON OPIATES

alfentanil butorphanol
codeine dextropropoxyphene
fentanyl HEROIN
hydrocodone hydromorphone
meperidine METHADONE
morphine oxycodone
pentazocine sufentanil

See alsoANALGESIC MEDICATIONS; DEXTROMETHOR-
PHAN; ILLICIT DRUG USE; INJECTING DRUGS, RISKS OF;

LEVO-ALPHA ACETYLMETHADOL (LAAM); NALTREXONE;

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE; SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVEN-

TION; SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT; WITHDRAWAL SYN-

DROME.

organic solvents Petroleum distillates found in

gasoline and some paints, paint thinners, aerosols,

household cleaners, and glues. When inhaled in

small quantities organic solvents produce a sense

of INTOXICATIONand mild HALLUCINATION. Inhaling

the vapors into the LUNGSallows rapid absorption

into the BLOODcirculation. However, the margin

between intoxication and neurologic toxicity is

very narrow and inhaled solvents can cause rapid

death. The highest rate of organic solvent abuse is

among children between 9 and 13 years of age.

Short-term health risks of inhaling organic sol-

vents include

• slurred speech and uncoordinated movement


• HEADACHE


• NAUSEAand VOMITING


• panic attacks


• erratic mood and behavior


• DEPRESSION


• ASPIRATIONof the substance into the lungs


• asphyxiation (suffocation) resulting in death

Long-term abuse of inhalants has significant

health risks including

• RENAL FAILURE


• LIVERdamage


• cognitive dysfunction


• memory impairment


• HEART FAILURE

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