A Prescription for Addiction

Almost all opiate users report restlessness, nausea, or vomiting with each use. Common side effects include severe constipation and reduced sex drive. Continued opiate use can result in infections of the heart lining and valves, skin abscesses, and congested lungs. Use of opiates during pregnancy causes anemia, heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, and/or hepatitis during pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnant opiate users have more spontaneous abortions, breech deliveries, caesarean sections, premature births, and stillbirths. Opiate tolerance and dependence can develop within 48 hours.