Popular opiates include those such as Vicodin and Oxycontin as well as heroin.

An “opiate” is a medication or illegal drug that is either derived from the opium poppy or which mimics the effect of an opiate. Opiate drugs are narcotic sedatives that depress the activity in the central nervous system, which may reduce pain or induce sleep. Prolonged use of opiates can cause many people to become addicted, in which overuse can lead to overdose and potentially premature death. Popular opiates include those such as Vicodin and Oxycontin as well as heroin.

If you've ever seen the famous movie, The Wizard of Oz, then chances are that you've already seen the poppy plant (the source of opiates). The scene comes about when Dorothy lies down in a field of poppies and then falls into a deep sleep. However, this gentle scene should not be confused with the life-altering effects that opiates can have on the body. While opiates can produce a quick, intense feeling of euphoria followed by an overwhelming sense of drowsiness, they can also become addictive. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), long term opiate use changes the way nerve cells in the brain work, causing the cells to become dependent on the drug in order to function.

At Mark Houston Recovery, we have first-hand experience in dealing with drug abuse. Whether you or someone you know is abusing opiates or any other drug, you CAN change the course of your future so that you are no longer dependent on drugs. Don't let drugs ruin your life. Get help now, and get your life back on track. At Mark Houston Recovery, we offer both 30-day as well as 90-day recovery programs for those suffering from drug abuse. We are here to help you regain control of your life. Permanent sobriety can start today if you are willing to start.

Opiate Use in Houston, TX

There are many signs of opiate abuse. However, the three most common signs of opiate abuse include: 1) pinpoint pupils, 2) nodding and 3) withdrawal. Pinpoint pupils occur when the black hole in the center of the eye becomes very small. Normally, someone's pupil will change size depending on the amount of light in the environment. For instance, when there is a lot of light, our pupils will become smaller, while they will become bigger as there is less light. However, if someone's pupils are extremely small, especially if they are in a dimly lit room- then it may be a sign that they are using opiates.

“Nodding” is when a person temporarily falls asleep at an unusual time (I.e. while having a conversation or standing up). This is not to be confused with narcolepsy. Because opiates act as a depressant, it means that with increased use, people can (and will) become completely unconscious.

Withdrawal is the process that an opiate addict's (or any other type of drug addict) body goes through once they stop using the drug. Typical signs of withdrawal can include anything from profuse sweating, goose bumps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramping.

At Mark Houston Recovery, we are committed to helping all of our residents find inner peace by realizing that drugs do not have to control their lives. At the forefront of what we teach residents is discipline. From the time we wake up to the time we go to bed, a disciplined schedule is needed if we are ever to regain our sense of well-being. Not using drugs is one thing. However, without the proper set of life skills as well as discipline to enact them, we are lost.

About Houston, Texas

The fourth largest city in the United States, Houston is also the largest city within the state of Texas. Boasting a population of more than 2.2 million people within 600 square miles, many people choose to make Houston their home- and with good reason. Houston's economy revolves around manufacturing, aeronautics, transportation, health care sectors and of course the manufacture and building of oilfield equipment. The city also has a growing multicultural population, making Houston one of the more diverse places to live, attracting more than 7 million visitors each year to the Houston Museum District. But employment opportunities isn't the only reason that so many flock to the Houston area; a lot of it has to do with the cultural atmosphere as well. For instance, the Theater District is located in downtown Houston and is home to nine major performing arts organizations and six performance halls, making it the second-largest concentration of theater seats in a downtown area in the United States.