Opioids can either be created from naturally occuring substances from the opium poppy plant or by synthetic methods. Opioids can come in the form of prescription medications, heroin, and fentanyl. The main use of the substance is pain relief, but when taken in larger amounts it can produce feelings of euphoria. All opioid forms are addictive, but some are more so than others. Understanding the different forms of opioids can help prevent addiction and inform the sobriety process.
Prescription Opioids
Opiates are a common pain relieving medication that doctors prescribe after surgery, for acute pain, and other conditions. These medications act to block pain signals from the brain to the body. Common prescription opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Not only do these prescription medications relieve pain, but they also make the user feel drowsy and relaxed. When abused or taken in large quantities, prescription opiates can make the user nauseous, induce vomiting, and slow down breathing – which could result in overdose.
If prescribed opiates, they should always be taken exactly as directed and stopped as soon as you no longer feel you need them to manage pain. Doctors will only prescribe opioids in controlled, small amounts to combat potential addiction.
Fentanyl – A Potent Synthetic Opioid
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be prescribed by a doctor in unique situations, but it is mainly manufactured on the street illicitly. This opioid is 50 to 100 times more potent than natural opioids like morphine. When it is abused, fentanyl can damage the brain’s ability to produce serotonin – making users dependent on fentanyl to feel joy or happiness.
Common fentanyl side effects include a sense of extreme euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and breathing issues. When consumed in large quantities users can also experience loss of consciousness or extreme confusion.
Fentanyl is dangerous on the streets because there is no way to confirm 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 – Morphine’s Evil Twin
Heroin is an opioid that is derived from morphine. The substance often comes in the form of powder or a sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” Heroin is a fast acting drug, and when injected, snorted, or smoked it can make users feel effects almost instantly. It’s a huge risk 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, before moving into drowsiness, trouble breathing, nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue. Overdose on heroin is complicated to treat 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 trouble shallow breathing, blue lips and fingernails, clammy skin, convulsions, and coma. In extreme cases, death will occur.
Detoxing from Opioids
There are five main sections of the opioid detox process including the first 24 hours, the first 48 hours, 72 hours after last consumption, 72 to 144 hours since last use, and 144 hours or seven days from last opioid use. Opioid detox timelines ultimately depend on the volume consumed, how often, and for how long.
The first 24 hours is when withdrawal symptoms typically begin. These initial symptoms could include cravings, aches and pains, anxiety headaches, and trouble sleeping. You may also begin to feel nausea coming on.
24 to 48 hours after your last use is when more acute symptoms begin in the opioid detox process. This can include panic attacks, excessive sweating, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and any of the symptoms you were feeling before.
If you were taking short-acting opioids, 72 hours is when you will see your symptoms peak. This may be accompanied by any of the withdrawal symptoms you were feeling before.
If you were taking any long acting opioids, your symptoms will peak anywhere between day three and say seven. As with short-acting opioids, you will likely experience any of the symptoms from earlier days and they could be intensified before they get better.
One week after your last opioid usage, most opioid detox clients see the withdrawal symptoms subside and begin to feel relief.
The detox process could result in the development of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). The symptoms of PAWS include cravings, fatigue, depression, mood swings, and trouble sleeping – all for a prolonged period of time. Participating in medically supervised opioid detox is the best way to avoid developing PAWS or other serious side effects from the process.
Medications Used in Opioid Detox
Medically supervised opioid detox is the safest and most effective form of detox available. It is proven to be successful at long-term, sustainable recovery that sets up participants for a lifetime of sobriety. The two main medications approved to be used in opioid detox are:
- Naltrexone
- Buprenorphine
Naltrexone is a non-addictive opioid antagonist that can block the effects of narcotics, making the patient more comfortable during detox. Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist that is used in place of opioids to reduce withdrawal symptoms and treat the substance use disorder.
Free Yourself from Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is becoming more common amongst Americans, especially when it comes to fentanyl. Recovery from opioids requires detox and residential rehab. At Solution Based Treatment we offer comprehensive addiction treatment to help clients move past their addiction and into sustainable sobriety that lasts a lifetime. If you or someone you know is experiencing opioid addiction, give our admissions team a call. We’re ready to lead the way towards a life that’s free of opioid addiction.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.