Learn more about the different types of opioids, what they are used for, and addiction treatment options.
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Call Us 24/7This term refers to the opioid types that are synthetic. Synthetic opioids include fentanyl, methadone, and tramadol. Some opioids are considered semi-synthetic, meaning that these types of opioids are produced in a lab but also contain a chemical compound from the poppy plant. These semi-synthetic opioid drugs include oxycodone, hydrocodone, heroin, and oxymorphone.2
This term refers to the natural types of opioids. These opioids are drugs that are chemical compounds derived from poppy plant material. These types of opioids include morphine, opium, and codeine.
Opioids can be taken in many forms. Prescription opioids are typically taken in pill form. However, opioids can also be administered as lollipops or lozenges, a patch placed on the skin, in liquid form, powder, or injected. Therefore, someone who is using opioids, either legally or illegally, can take the substance orally, nasally, or intravenously. 3
Heroin is an illegal opioid that is highly addictive. Heroin has been responsible for a large number of overdoses. According to the CDC, nearly 143,000 people died from overdoses involving heroin between 1999 and 2020.5
Besides being referred to as opioids, opiates, narcotics, and painkillers, different types of opioids have different street names. Some of the common street names include: 6
Opioids are drugs that often produce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you stop or decrease the amount used. Opioid withdrawal can have varying effects on the body and is best done with medical assistance. Opioids bind to receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, when you develop dependence, these systems can all be affected.
Common withdrawal side effects include: 9
Treatment of opioid abuse often starts with managing withdrawal. This can be done via tapering or “cold turkey.” Due to the often intense withdrawal symptoms, it is recommended to complete an opioid detox in a medical facility. This provides 24-hour medical support and the use of medication to reduce or alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Soledad House is a facility that specializes in women’s addiction recovery. At Soledad House, we provide evidence-based treatment that aims at treating the whole person. Our focus is on helping women recover from addiction through physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
We offer programs aimed at identifying the underlying causes of addiction, as well as focusing on continuing care and education. If you or someone you know are struggling with opioid addiction, contact us at 866.314.3181 or https://soledadhouse.com/contact/.
1https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/opioids
2
https://www.oregon.gov/adpc/pages/opiate-opioid.aspx
3https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/opioid-treatment/what-are-opioids/ – anchor5
4https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/fentanyl.html
6https://www.nihlibrary.nih.gov/resources/subject-guides/opioids/street-commercial-names
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