Opiate abuse has spread rapidly across the nation over the last decade. Sadly, these drugs can shatter lives and end a person’s hopes and dreams. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize just how many opiates are available on the market. Therefore, it is critical to know what drugs are opiates. This article will explain what makes a drug an opiate and detail the various types available. In this way, you will know which to avoid if you want to prevent the risk of addiction.
The Basic Nature of Opiates
Opiates initially derived from the poppy plant in Asia. For centuries, Asian cultures used the poppy plant for healing and spiritual purposes. Once the western world traveled to the area, they quickly picked up on the power of the poppy plant. They then created a myriad of derivatives from it, including opium, morphine, and other substances that produced extremely potent effects. These substances created the first wave of opiate addiction.
Now, modern science understands their addiction risk and mostly uses them for pain relief. Many of the most common types of opiates are now synthetic derivatives called opioids. Opioids are made partially from poppy derivatives and many artificial substances. Often, these synthetic versions are more potent than the natural types due to genetic tampering and tweaking.
Thankfully, these drugs are not available over the counter due to their potency. Only people with a specific prescription can buy them. However, there is a substantial black market for prescription opiates and illegal ones. Sadly, opiate abuse and overdose rates have skyrocketed in recent years, partially due to an ignorance of what drugs are opiates.
What Drugs are Opiates? The List is Extensive
Opiates come in many shapes and sizes. As a result, it can be tough to know what drugs are opiates. Therefore, it is worth listing a few of the most common. These substances range from organic opioids to synthetic ones. There are also legal-prescription opiates and illegal ones too. Just a few of the most common types include:
- Morphine – Commonly used to manage intensive pain
- Methadone – Used to manage opiate addiction
- Oxymorphone – A more intensive painkiller
- Fentanyl – A very intense painkiller
- Opium – An illegal drug that triggers severe effects
- Heroin – A dangerous and illegal drug with no health benefits
Many of these substances have alternative names that may be confusing to some individuals. For example, Oxycontin is a generic form of some opiates. And street drugs, like heroin, may go by names such as smack, junk, or horse. Unfortunately, illegal opioids aren’t the only dangerous ones. Addiction may start even with legal and otherwise beneficial painkillers.
How These Drugs Trigger Addiction
Now that you know what drugs are opiates, you need to understand their addictive potential. Opiates flood the body’s opioid receptors with artificial stimulation. When this happens, the body releases a high level of endorphin chemicals. Then, the body feels extreme pleasure that can become very addictive. Sadly, the body may become dependent on these substances to feel healthy. And when a person tries to quit, they may experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Even worse, a person may become psychologically dependent as well. For example, a person may use an opiate to manage depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, this type of use can trigger physical addiction, as well. This danger is why so many doctors prescribe minimal doses of opiates to their patients. That said, a person can develop a quick addiction both physically and emotionally after only a few doses.
And when this happens, a person may become dedicated to their drug. They may find it hard to focus on work, family, friends, and other elements of their life. Therefore, treatments such as inpatient care may be necessary. And aftercare treatments can prevent relapses, which may be deadly in many circumstances. Understanding these options can keep you safe from this real risk.
What Is the Opiate Definition?
When Treatment is Necessary
Know that you know what drugs are opiates, you should contact us at Atlantic Recovery Center. Our professionals have years of experience in their field. They can provide you with the caring and intimate treatment that you need to recover. So please call 1-866-824-5193 now to learn more. You can also verify your insurance online to ensure that your treatment is covered.