Opiate Articles, Blogs and Resources

What are Opiates?

Opiates for pain managementOpioids are a collection of potent narcotics derived from the poppy plant, and that consists of opium or a natural or synthetic derivative of opium. Normally, opioids are used to induce sleep or relieve pain since they work as a depressant in the central nervous system.

Opiates work in the body by connecting to opioid receptors, which are located in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. In doing so, opiates are able to prevent the release of pain messages and can change the way a person encounters pain.

Opioids also stimulate the neurotransmitters in the brain’s reward system, the results are euphoric like effects. All medicines that are opiate-based must be prescribed by a physician. Usually, these prescriptions are provided with purposes of controlling pain and alleviating the effects of pain.

Due to the fact that the pain-relieving effects of opioids are short-lived and a strong euphoric experience is encountered, the concern of developing an addiction is greatly increased. Opiates can be derived naturally, or they can be man-made.

Naturally occurring opioids include Morphine, Codeine, heroin and opium. Synthetic opioids, which are man-made drugs that simulate opiates, include medications such as Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Methadone, Demerol, Darvon, and Vicodin.

These are some of the most common types of natural and synthetic opioids:

  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Oxycodone
  • Percocet
  • OxyContin,
  • Percodan
  • Hydromorphone
  • Palladone
  • Dilaudid
  • Hydrocodone
  • Lorcet
  • Forten
  • Vicodin
  • Heroin
  • Methadone

Opioids are accessible in many forms, including capsules, pills, tablets, and liquids. Typically, opiates are ground and snorted or inhaled, swallowed, or injected when used recreationally.

Opiates do offer a lot of benefits as they can provide relief to pain, and therefore enhancing the quality of life for a person enduring bodily illnesses. However, they can quickly be misused. All kinds of opiates and opioids can be addictive, some with greater potential for addiction than others. 

Please continue reading below to see our latest blog posts on opioids. Under the “Substance Abuse Navigation” menu, you can click on the drop-down arrow to see evergreen, general information on abusing opiates.

What You Need to Know About Detox in Opiate Withdrawal & Treatment

Woman with hat Opiate addiction is considered an epidemic in the United States [1]. In fact, opiate overdose is one of the leading causes of death for Americans [1], and opiate withdrawal can be dangerous in and of itself. Some opiates are prescription medications, while synthetic opiates such as fentanyl are illegal. All opiates have a high potential [...]
Read More

The Walk of Detoxing from Heroin

First responder suffering from PTSD and substance abuse Are you or a loved one beginning the walk of detoxing from heroin? If so, here is a list of common symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal, plus guidance on how to successfully navigate heroin detox. The Truth About Heroin Addiction Heroin addiction is a serious problem in the United States. According to the Centers for [...]
Read More

Those Saved from Opioid Overdose Still at High Risk for Death

Boy in treatment Opioid addiction is an epidemic [1]. In fact, opioid overdose is one of the top leading causes of death in America. There are several different kinds of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and certain types of prescription medications [1]. All opioids have similar effects on the brain and body. These drugs can give people a feeling [...]
Read More

Concerning Increase In Teens Using Opioids & Prescription Meds

Man explaining Addiction to Loved Ones while drinking coffee Opioid overdose has been an epidemic in the United States for a while. However, the amount of people who are misusing or abusing prescription drugs is increasing [1]. Substance misuse is when someone uses a prescription medication inappropriately. For example, if someone takes a medication that wasn’t prescribed to them or takes more than what [...]
Read More