How does the use of Opiate drugs become a problem?
People first take an opiate drug for all sorts of reasons. A doctor may prescribe these for pain control. A co-worker may hand you some pills to help you get through the day at work.

“Taking those pills helped me to work all day without pain and with no grief. Time passed easily - and nothing much bothered me.”

Social and/or recreational opportunities may arise to experiment with these drugs for the feelings they can produce.

Outside of specific medical indications and without professional monitoring, the use of opiate drugs may rapidly become a habit.

Some begin to take these drugs every day to produce euphoria, to ease through the workday or to calm painful emotions.

"They fixed every kind of pain I've ever known."

Opiate drugs relieve many disturbing symptoms - physical pain, emotional distress and mental turmoil. Once the effects of an opiate drug is enjoyed for personal purposes aside from the relief of physical pain, urges to use them more frequently may occur.

Regular use of opiate drugs for personal purpose carries risk for two potential complications - physical dependence and addiction. Once these conditions arise, the use of opiate drugs can rapidly spiral out of control.