Opioid addiction is on the rise in America. There are several different kinds of opioids: prescription medications, fentanyl, and heroin. Opioid addiction is a blanket term used to categorize substance use disorder involving one of these substances.
Prescription Opioids
Opiates are a common pain relieving medication that doctors prescribe after surgery, for acute pain, and other conditions. They block pain signals from the brain to the body. Commonly used prescription opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Not only do these prescription medications relieve pain, but they also make users feel drowsy and relaxed. When abused, prescription opiates can make the user nauseous, induce vomiting, and slow breathing – which could result in life-threatening overdose.
If prescribed opiates, they should be taken exactly as directed and stopped as soon as you no longer need them to manage pain. Doctors will only prescribe opioids in controlled, small amounts to prevent addiction.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be prescribed by a doctor in unique situations, but it is mainly manufactured on the street illegally. The substance is 50 to 100 times more potent than natural opiates like morphine. When used heavily, fentanyl can damage the brain’s ability to produce serotonin – making users dependent on fentanyl to feel happiness.
Common fentanyl side effects include extreme euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and breathing issues. When consumed in large amounts, users can also experience loss of consciousness or extreme confusion.
Fentanyl is dangerous on the streets because there is no way to know if it has been mixed into other street drugs like cocaine or pills. Because of its potency, fentanyl has a high rate of overdose when compared to other common drugs.
Heroin
Heroin is an opioid that is a “cousin” of morphine. It often comes in the form of powder or a sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” It is a fast acting opioid. When injected, snorted, or smoked it can make users feel effects almost instantly. It’s very dangerous to consume heroin because, like fentanyl, there is no way to know if other substances have been mixed into the drug.
When consumed, heroin gives users a rush of joy or euphoria, moving into drowsiness, trouble breathing, nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue. Overdose on heroin is complicated because it’s hard to determine how much heroin was taken and how strong it was when consumed. When overdosing on heroin, users will have shallow breathing, blue lips and fingernails, clammy skin, convulsions, and coma. In extreme cases, death will occur.
Opioid Addiction is a Silent Killer
Opioids are one of the leading causes of drug overdose. Recovering from opioids requires detox to cleanse the body of the substance before rehab can begin. Opioid addiction treatment will vary from client to client, and ultimately depends on what substance is being dealt with. Fentanyl treatment will look different from heroin treatment and so on. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, give the Sobriety Options admissions team a call. We can get you set up in a detox and treatment program that meets your needs and is covered by your insurance.
About Sobriety Options
Sobriety Options is open 24/7 to provide support and care for those seeking substance abuse or mental health treatment. A branch of Solution Based Treatment, we serve as a central admissions office for seven different branches throughout Southern California. Our team is able to help you find the best sober living option for yourself or your loved one to help them get the care they need. For more information visit our website at sobrietyoptions.com or give us a call at (855) 485-0071.
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