Opioids are derived from the opium poppy. Natural opiates are made from the plant’s dried “milk,” while synthetic versions are made in laboratories. They are used to produce sedation and provide pain relief, and have been used as pain relievers for thousands of years. Opioid addiction however, is a concern when dealing with medications in this category.
Opium is the dried milky juice of the unripe seed pods of the opium poppy. Opium street names include laudanum, gum, black stuff, Big O and hop.
How Do Opioids Work
Opioids work by attaching themselves to receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When someone takes opioids for pain relief, they experience the following effects:
- Perception of pain is reduced
- Reaction to pain is lessened
- Pain tolerance is increased
They tend to produce a feeling of euphoria by affecting the brain’s pleasure receptors before moving the user into a feeling of warm, drowsy contentment. Opioid drugs also produce a feeling of detachment from stress as well as pain. All of these effects increase the chances of someone becoming addicted by them wanting to repeat the sensation. Unfortunately, tolerance can quickly build, causing the person to use more and more to receive the same effect…even if the only effect they’re looking for is pain relief.
Common Types Of Opioids
Some common types of opioids are morphine, codeine, OxyContin, fentanyl and heroin.
- Codeine is a narcotic which is derived from opium. It is available at prescription strength for pain relief.
- Morphine is derived directly from the seed pods of the opium poppy. It is used in hospitals for pain relief and is also available on the street, where it is referred to as M, Miss Emma, monkey and white stuff.
- OxyContin (oxycodone) is a semi-synthetic opioid pain reliever prescribed for chronic pain. Abusers crush the tablet before swallowing it or snort it to get a quick, powerful “high.”
- Heroin is processed from morphine and is sold as either a white or brownish powder. It can also look like a black, sticky substance called “black tar” heroin. This drug is usually smoked, snorted or injected.
- Fentanyl is a synthetic narcotic that is several times more potent than heroin. It is used in surgical procedures and to treat chronic pain.
Even when these types of medications are prescribed by a doctor, there is always a risk of addiction if they are not taken exactly as prescribed. Long-term use can lead to addiction, just as increasing the dose without discussing other options for pain management with a physician. Some people run into difficulty due to taking someone else’s prescription or buying opioids off the street.
Get Help For Opioid Addiction – Comfortably And Privately
Whatever the cause of the abuse or addiction, The Dunes East Hampton can help. We offer luxury drug treatment in NY where your comfort and privacy is assured. To fit our client’s individual needs, we create a personalized treatment plan and provide flexible outpatient as well as more structured inpatient programs.
Learn More About Our Pharmacotherapy Program For Opioid Addiction
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