Knowledge is power. This includes knowledge about drugs. If you want to work in the medical or addiction fields or know someone who suffers from addiction, knowledge can help you on your journey. There is an opioid epidemic, and the more you know the more you can prepare. Many people think that opioids exclusively come from the poppy plant, but there are actually a number of different types of opioids. Here are the different types of opioids and the differences among them.
There are three major types of opioids: natural, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic.
Natural Opioids
Natural opioids are drugs made completely out of the alkaloids in the poppy plant. There is no manufacturing involved.
Morphine
Morphine is one of the first opioids used for medicinal reasons. While it works as a pain killer in the hospital, taking it outside of this scenario can be dangerous. It’s especially dangerous when taken with alcohol. It’s only legal when prescribed.
Codeine
Codeine is a common ingredient in a number of different cough medicines, and it is legal with a prescription. It should not be mixed with other drugs. It is highly addictive and can result in serious breathing problems or even death.
Semi-Synthetic Opioids
Semi-synthetic opioids are substances made in a lab with the alkaloids from the poppy plant. It’s part natural poppy plant and part manufactured.
Oxycodone
Oxycotin is a prescription drug generally prescribed after surgeries and other times someone may have an extensive recovery period. It most often comes in pill form. There are two options: quick release and extended release. You should take it with food to avoid nausea, and you should not eat grapefruit while taking it.
Heroin
Heroin is the most common opioid. It can be snorted but is more commonly injected into the blood stream with a syringe. It is illegal, and people who get caught with heroin can face serious consequences. When someone tries heroin, molecules of heroin attach to the brain and produce chemical responses that alter the brain to make the user become addicted.
Fully Synthetic Opioids
Fully synthetic opioids have no actually alkaloids from the poppy plant in it. It is completely manufactured in a lab.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl was created in 1960 as a pain killer. However, people didn’t realize just how addictive it could be. It comes in a wide range of forms including patches, pills, nasal spray, lozenges, injectable liquid, and dissolvable strips. It is legal when used per prescription. Fentanyl is similar to concentrated heroin, making it especially easy to overdose on.
Methadone
Methadone is a schedule II drug and is most often used as a replacement for more harmful opioids to help people come off of them. The idea is to use this safer drug to prevent withdrawal. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work. Some people may end up addicted to the methadone instead. You should avoid alcohol when taking this drug.
Opioid Overdose
People can receive a high from taking opioids. People may experience intense euphoria and an overwhelming sense of calm. For that reason, they continue to take them whether they ever had a prescription or not. Unfortunately, this can be problematic. When people become addicted, they continue to use more and more to achieve the same high. They will continue to chase that high until it ends up hurting them. In fact, it could result in an overdose.
The signs of an overdose are frightening. Since opioids slow the body down, it will lower the speed of breathing and blood flow. If blood doesn’t reach the brain, it can result in brain damage. You ma notice that a person overdosing can’t breathe properly. They may even turn blue from lack of circulation. Finally, they may lose consciousness. If you notice this, call 9-1-1 right away. The paramedics may be able to help them with a shot of naloxone to the heart.
Opioids also make a person sick to their stomach and sleepy. Some people may end up choking on their vomit in their sleep, causing them to die.
Opioids may have medical purposes at times. However, it is also highly addictive and can ruin a person’s life. The more you know, the better equip you will be to prevent a problem and even help others. If you do know someone with a problem, get them professional help immediately. The longer a person suffers from addiction, the more difficult it will be to go back to normal.