Opioids are substances derived either from the natural compounds of the opium poppy plant or through synthetic production. They are found in various forms, including prescription medications, heroin, and fentanyl. Primarily used for pain relief, opioids can also create intense feelings of euphoria when misused in larger amounts. While all opioids carry a risk of addiction, some are significantly more addictive than others. Learning about the different types of opioids can help prevent dependency and support recovery efforts.
Prescription Opioids
Doctors often prescribe opioids to manage acute pain, post-surgical discomfort, or specific medical conditions. These medications work by interrupting pain signals between the brain and body. Examples include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Beyond pain relief, prescription opioids can induce relaxation and drowsiness. However, misuse—such as taking higher doses than prescribed—can lead to side effects like nausea, vomiting, and slowed breathing, which increases the risk of overdose. To minimize addiction risk, opioids should always be taken as prescribed and discontinued as soon as they are no longer needed for pain management. Physicians prescribe opioids in limited amounts to mitigate the potential for abuse.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is sometimes prescribed for severe pain but is more commonly produced and distributed illicitly. It is up to 100 times stronger than natural opioids like morphine. Abuse of fentanyl can severely affect the brain’s ability to produce serotonin, leaving individuals dependent on the drug to experience happiness or joy.
Common side effects of fentanyl include intense euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, digestive issues, fatigue, and respiratory problems. Overdosing on fentanyl can lead to unconsciousness or severe disorientation.
The illicit nature of fentanyl makes it especially dangerous, as it is often mixed with other drugs like cocaine or counterfeit pills, without users knowing. Its potency significantly increases the likelihood of overdose compared to other substances.
Heroin
Heroin, processed from morphine, is typically found as a powder or a sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” When injected, snorted, or smoked, it produces an almost immediate euphoric rush. Like fentanyl, heroin is risky because it is often mixed with unknown substances.
Heroin’s effects include an initial feeling of euphoria followed by drowsiness, nausea, breathing difficulties, dry mouth, and fatigue. Heroin overdoses are challenging to treat due to the unknown purity or quantity consumed. Overdose symptoms include shallow breathing, blue lips or fingernails, clammy skin, seizures, and unconsciousness, with fatal outcomes in severe cases.
The Process of Detoxing from Opioids
The detox process from opioids involves several stages, depending on the type, amount, and duration of opioid use. Key phases include:
- First 24 Hours: Withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, body aches, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia typically begin. Mild nausea may also occur.
- 24-48 Hours: Symptoms intensify and may include sweating, panic attacks, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia.
- 72 Hours: Those using short-acting opioids usually experience peak withdrawal symptoms during this time.
- 72-144 Hours: For long-acting opioids, peak symptoms occur within this window, often intensifying before subsiding.
- After Seven Days: Most symptoms decrease, bringing relief to individuals in detox.
In some cases, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) may develop, causing prolonged symptoms like cravings, fatigue, mood swings, depression, and sleep disturbances. Medically supervised detox is the safest approach to prevent PAWS and other complications.
Medications for Detox
Medically supervised detox enhances safety and supports long-term recovery. Two primary medications used during opioid detox include:
- Naltrexone: A non-addictive opioid blocker that reduces the effects of narcotics and eases discomfort.
- Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist used to manage withdrawal symptoms and treat substance use disorder.
These medications are proven to aid individuals in achieving sustainable sobriety.
Breaking Free from Opioid Addiction
The prevalence of opioid addiction, especially involving fentanyl, continues to grow. Recovery often involves a combination of detox and comprehensive rehabilitation. At Solution Based Treatment, we offer personalized care to help individuals overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, contact our admissions team. We’re here to guide you toward a healthier, drug-free life.
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.