Opioids are a class of drugs that include both legal prescription medications, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. Opioids are primarily used to relieve pain by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain. While they are effective in treating acute and chronic pain, they are highly addictive and pose a significant risk of misuse, dependence, and overdose. In recent years, the misuse of both prescription and illicit opioids has contributed to a public health crisis known as the opioid epidemic.

Street Names for Common Opioids:

•Oxy (Oxycodone)

•Percs (Percocet)

•Smack (Heroin)

•Vike (Vicodin)

•Hillbilly Heroin (Oxycontin)

How are Opioids Made?

Opioids can be derived naturally from the poppy plant or synthetically produced in labs. Natural opioids, such as morphine and codeine, are extracted from the resin of the opium poppy plant. Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, are created in laboratories and can be far more potent.

Pharmaceutical opioids are made under regulated conditions and prescribed for medical use. However, many illicit opioids are manufactured in unregulated, clandestine labs, making them dangerous, especially when combined with other substances. Illicit opioids like heroin or counterfeit pills may also contain synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which increases the risk of overdose.

Why are Opioids Dangerous?

Opioids are dangerous due to their high potential for addiction and the significant risk of overdose. When opioids bind to receptors in the brain, they not only block pain but also release large amounts of dopamine, which produces a feeling of euphoria. This euphoric effect can lead to misuse as users seek to recreate the high. Prolonged use leads to tolerance, where increasing doses are required to achieve the same effect, eventually leading to physical dependence and addiction. Additionally, opioids can cause severe respiratory depression, which is the primary cause of opioid overdose deaths.

How Opioids are Used:

•Medical Use: Opioids are prescribed by healthcare providers for the management of severe pain, often following surgery, injury, or cancer treatment. They are available in various forms such as pills, liquids, patches, and injections.

•Illicit Use: Illegal opioids like heroin are typically injected, snorted, or smoked. Some prescription opioids are also misused by taking higher doses than prescribed or by altering their form to inject or snort for a quicker high.

Effects of Opioids:

•Pain relief

•Euphoria

•Drowsiness

•Confusion

•Constipation

•Nausea

•Slowed breathing

Opioid Overdose Symptoms:

•Extreme drowsiness or inability to stay awake

•Slow, shallow breathing or complete respiratory arrest

•Pinpoint pupils

•Cold, clammy skin

•Loss of consciousness or coma

Opioids vs. Fentanyl:

Fentanyl is one of the most potent synthetic opioids, significantly stronger than other opioids such as heroin and morphine. While all opioids can lead to addiction and overdose, fentanyl is especially dangerous because of its potency—just a small amount can be lethal. Fentanyl is often mixed with other opioids or drugs like heroin without the user’s knowledge, drastically increasing the likelihood of overdose.

At Recovery Syndicate, we understand the unique challenges posed by opioid addiction and provide specialized treatment programs to help individuals break free from the cycle of opioid misuse. We offer comprehensive treatment services, including medically supervised detox, therapy, and aftercare support, ensuring clients have the tools needed for long-term recovery.

If you, or someone you love, is struggling with opioid addiction, please call Recovery Syndicate at 480-409-4787 or visit us at recoverysyndicate.com for help or more information.