24 The Encyclopedia of Addictive Drugs
than normal, and early slowness of brain development has been observed.
Evidence exists that fetal exposure causes long-lasting problems in children,
involving impulsiveness and inattention, but some researchers feel that home
environment (often involving a single-parent opiate abuser with additional
problems) is a better explanation for those difficulties.
For information about specific opiate class depressants, see alphabetical list-
ings for:buprenorphine, codeine, dihydrocodeine,etorphine, heroin,hy-
drocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, nalbuphine, opium, oxycodone,
pholcodine, andthebaine.Opioid Class
Opioids are often called opiates, which is satisfactory for practical purposes
because the two classes of drugs basically produce the same effects in the
same way. A technical difference exists between the two classes, however. If
the history of a product were traced backward through its manufacturing
processes, opiates generally would begin with theopiumplant, but opioids
would generally begin in a laboratory. Despite this technical distinction, the
termsopiatesandopioidsare often used synonymously. Some of these sub-
stances are called “semisynthetic” and are referred to as “opiate/opioid.”
Some opiates, such as morphine, can even be manufactured wholly in a lab-
oratory without starting from the natural product opium; thus the same chem-
ical can be either an opiate or an opioid.
For information about specific opioid class depressants, see alphabetical list-
ings for:butorphanol,dextromethorphan,dextromoramide,dextrorphan,di-
phenoxylate, dipipanone, fentanyl, ketobemidone, LAAM, levorphanol,
meperidine,methadone,oxymorphone,phenoperidine,piritramide,propox-
yphene,remifentanil, andtrimeperidine.STEROIDS
The steroids governed by schedules of controlled substances are anabolic
steroids. Anabolic substances build up parts of living organisms, as opposed
to catabolic substances, which decompose those parts. Anabolic steroids are
abused mainly by persons desiring to increase muscle mass, such as compet-
itive athletes and body builders. Steroids can improve muscle strength in fe-
males and in castrated males, but scientific evidence is weaker for intact males.
Still, steroids do seem to promote muscle mass, endurance, and overall athletic
performance while dosage continues. Some scientists suspect that any perfor-
mance enhancement experienced from anabolic steroids comes not from mus-
cle power but from psychological effects, with the drugs increasing a user’s
aggressiveness. Anabolic steroids can produce mania, anger, impulsiveness,
euphoria, and feelings of invincibility—a combination that may lead some
users into harmful social interactions. The combination can produce other
types of unwise behavior as well, such as extravagant expenditures of money
and taking reckless physical risks. Reports exist of paranoia and hallucinations
developing while using steroids and disappearing when steroid usage is
stopped.