Pain Killers

Some of the most used and abused drugs today, pain killers are available through prescription and over the counter. They are used to alleviate pain by blocking pain messages to the brain. The combination of pain killers with a depressant such as alcohol can cause respiratory depression which can be immediately fatal.

Hydrocodone -Vicodin

Also referred to as:
Vike, Vics, Watson-387, V-Itamin and Vikings.

A legal opiate prescribed for pain that has qualities similar to morphine, Vicodin is the most commonly abused form of Hydrocodone. It is available in both pill and liquid form and is highly addictive. Prolonged abuse of Hydrocodone can lead to severe liver damage.

Hydromorphone -Dilaudid

Also referred to as:
Big D, D’s, Dillies, Lords, Delida, Delaud, Delats and Little D’s.

Often used as a substitute for heroin, Dilaudid is one of the most abused prescription pain killers today. It is two to eight times more potent than morphine, depending on the dosage. It is shorter acting and is a stronger sedative than morphine. Dilaudid is available in tablet form, which is often dissolved and injected by abusers, rectal suppositories, and oral solutions.

Morphine

Also referred to as:
White Stuff, M, Morf, Morphie, Dope, Dreamer, Mother and Monkey.

One of the most effective drugs used for the relief of extreme pain, the use of morphine has increased significantly in recent years. It is used in several different forms, an injectable form, immediate and sustained-release capsules and tablets, suppositories, and oral solutions.

Oxycondone

Also referred to as:
Oxycontin, Oxy and Percs.

Oxycondone, or Oxycontin as it is commonly called, is a prescription pain reliever that is twice as potent as morphine. It is usually crushed, then snorted or injected. Many abusers use it as a substitute for heroin and to help with withdrawal symptoms.

Side effects include:

• Drowsiness;
• Constipation;
• Depressed Respiration;
• Physical Tolerance;
• Psychological and Physical Dependence;
• Lowered Heart Rate, Blood Pressure;
• Closing of the Throat;
• Loss of Consciousness;
• Coma; and
• Seizures.