Opioids

Just Say Know!

Name(s): HEROIN, SMACK, GEAR, HAMMER, H, CHINA WHITE, DONE, OXY, BUPE, CODEINE, FENTANYL, OPIUM, MORPHINE, PETHIDINE
Chemical Compound:
Diacetylmorphine (Heroin)
Morphine Dihydrohydroxycodeinone (Oxycodone)
3-Methylmorphine (Codeine)
Fentanyl
Carfentanil
Methadone
Buprenorphine
Tramadol (an SNRI) and many more…

Opioids are a class of central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs that includes codeine, morphine, heroin, fentanyl, and many more. They are derived from, or similar to, substances found in the opium poppy, and include naturally occurring (i.e. opiates) and synthetic substances. Opioids are painkillers of varying potency. They are often prescribed for chronic or post-operative pain, or for short-term treatment of severe pain from injuries such as broken bones. Opioids are also commonly used recreationally, either through the illicit use of prescription opioids or through the use of illicit substances (especially heroin). Among recreationally used drugs, opioids have particularly high potential to cause harm because they acutely affect the vital functions of breathing and heart rate, and the margin between desired effects and overdose can be difficult to judge.

Know your mind, know your body, know your substance, and know your limits.

General Information

How it’s Taken: Swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected.

Duration of Effects:
These times are a guide only. Opioids vary in the duration of their effects.
Total duration: 15 minutes - 36 hours, e.g. pethidine is much shorter acting than oxycodone.
Fentanyl can last for up to 72 hours.
Onset: 15 seconds (injected) – 30 minutes (swallowed)
Peak: 30 minutes – 2 hours for most opioids.
Coming down: 6 – 12 hours for most opioids.
Hangover/after effects: 3 - 5 days

Most Common Effects:

• Pain Relief

• Euphoria

• Feeling of wellbeing

• Contentment

• Decreased heart rate

• Decreased blood pressure

• Warm sensations in extremities

• Lethargy

• Drowsiness

• Constipation

• Itchiness

• Relief of anxiety

• A 'rush' of warmth

• Confusion

• Constricted (“pinpoint”) pup

• Slowed breathing

*Effects vary greatly from one person to another

Less Common Effects:

• Unconsciousness

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Sensitivity to light

• Respiratory depression / failure

• Paranoia

• Muscle spasms

• Death

Rare Effects:

• Risk of coma

• Bluish fingers, toes, lips

• Brain damage due to respiratory depression

Possible Long-term effects:

• These effects are possible with extended use

• Poor dental health with gum swelling and damaged teeth

• Severe constipation

• Malnutrition

• Dependency and risk of acute withdrawal symptoms

• Weakened immune system

• Insomnia

Call 000 if experiencing an adverse effects, feel unwell or concerned in any way

Safer Using Tips :

Taking drugs is never without risk. Information on dose and length of action are of a general nature. Each person’s response to a drug will depend heavily upon individual factors such as body weight, kidney and liver function. Because most illicit drugs are of unknown purity and weight, use caution when dosing, start low and go slow.

• Each opioid is different, and strength can vary greatly so start with a small dose.

• When prescribed by a doctor, opioid medications come with dosage instructions.

• Recreational use of opioid medications may involve taking more than the medically prescribed or recommended dose – start with a small dose and give it plenty of time to work before redosing.

• If snorting or injecting an opioid prepared from prescription pills or capsules, you’ll need less than if you swallow it.

• Naloxone is a life saving opioid overdose reversal drug. Speak to DanceWize NSW about naloxone training.

• Opioid overdose depresses breathing and can lead to death if not treated swiftly with naloxone.

It’s a good idea to have naloxone on hand when using opioids recreationally. It is available on prescription (at a PBS reduced rate) or it can be purchased, at full price, over the counter at pharmacies.

Unsafe Combinations:

Opioids combined with…

• Depressants (alcohol, GHB) = depressed breathing, dizziness, vomiting, risk of coma.

• Ketamine = confusion, loss of coordination, risk of injury.

• Stimulants = heart strain, risk of seizure or stroke, risk of opioid overdose when stimulant wears off, or stimulant overdose due to impaired judgement/ higher dosage needed for desired stimulant effect.

• Fentanyl/Carfentanil = depressed heart rate and breathing, nausea, confusion, excessive sleepiness and risk of overdose as fentanyl is far stronger than most opioids.

• Benzodiazepines = depressed breathing, enhanced sedation, risk of accidental overdose.

• SSRIs (specifically mixed with Tramadol, an SNRI) = possible serotonin syndrome. Please check our Medications resource for more details or talk to your doctor.

• MAOIs = risk of opioid overdose or serotonin syndrome, risk of depressed heart rate and breathing

Take a look at the TripSit drug combinations chart HERE for info on other combinations

Opioids is not recommended to take if you have or have had:

• Heart problems
• Breathing problems
• Depression
• A prior allergic reaction to opioids
• Or if you are pregnant - Methadone is recommended in pregnancy for those people who are opioid dependent.

Speak to you doctor for more info on drug combinations/health conditions. Call (02) 8354 7300 or 1800 644 413 (free call) for referrals

Roadside Drug test:

It is illegal to drive under the influence of any illicit drugs, including opioids. Opioids are not detectable by a saliva test. It’s best not to drive until the effects have completely worn off and you have had a decent sleep. Make sure you take this into consideration when planning your ride home from a festival or event

Read more about Mobile Drug Testing HERE