Opioid dependence – a physiological dependence on opiates and similar substances that have sedative (calming) and pain-relieving effects. These substances, such as morphine, heroin, and other opiates, can cause strong dependence in people who use them.
Opiates affect the central nervous system and can cause physical dependence: the body adapts to the presence of the substance and begins to require it for normal functioning. In this case, a person may experience severe physical symptoms when trying to stop using opiates, which is called withdrawal syndrome.
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