1. What is
substance abuse
How does
addiction occur?
What are
Opioids
The addiction of opioids
and other drugs occur
through two behaviors.
The first is when a
prescription is given for
the relief of pain.
Addiction occurs when
the amount and
frequency are increased.
The second is when the
drug is obtained illegally.
The drug may be taken
alone or in combination
with other drugs to
increase the euphoric
effects. Tolerance occurs,
leading to addiction.
Opioids are grouped
into three categories:
natural, opioid
derivatives and
synthetic.
Examples include:
Opium, Morphine, and
Codeine
Heroine,
Hydromorphone,
Oxycodone,
Hydrocodone
Meperidine, Methadone,
Pentazocine, Fentanyl
 
Shannon Hart
Mental Health Nursing
NUR326A
Addiction:acompulsive
orchronicrequirement.
Theneedissostrongas
togeneratedistress
(eitherphysicalor
psychologicalifleft
unfulfilled).
Intoxication:the
developmentofa
reversiblesyndromeof
symptomsfollowing
excessiveuseofa
substance.The
symptomsaredrug
specificandoccur
duringorshortlyafter
theingestionofthe
substance.

2. Effects of Opioids
Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
Symptoms of opioid withdrawal occurafter
the reduction or cessation of heavy and prolonged
use of opioid substances. Symptoms include:
 Dysphoric mood
 Nausea and vomiting
 Muscle aches
 Tears or runny nose
 Pupillary dilation
 Goose bumps
 Sweating
 Diarrhea
 Yawning
 Fever
 Insomnia
The primary effectsof
opioidsare directed
towardsthe central
nervoussystem, the eyes
and the gastrointestinal
tract.
Centralnervoussystem
effects includeeuphoria,
mood changes, mental
cloudiness, drowsiness,
pain reduction and
respiratory reduction
Stimulation of the
oculomotor nerveresults
in pupillary constriction
Increased intestinal and
stomach tone, in
combination with
decreased peristaltic
activity leads to decreased
movementof food,
resulting in constipation
Important teaching for families and friends of
individuals suffering from an opioid addiction
 Many individuals will deny they have a
problem saying, “I can quit anytime I
want.”
 Patients with a substance abuse may
have destructive behavior towards
themselves and others. They may be
unable to take care of their basic
needs, engage in risky behavior and
are unable to meet role expectations,
such as job duties.
 Patients withdrawing from opioids
may be at risk for tremors, elevated
blood pressure, hallucinations, nausea
and vomiting, anxiety and seizures.
These symptoms may cause injury

3. References
Townsend, M.C. (2015). Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Concepts of Care in Evidence
Based Practice (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company