Raising Awareness on Opioids
Opioids have become a common part of our society, but many people still don’t understand the full scope of these powerful drugs. By exploring the different types of opioids and how they affect the brain, we hope to provide clarity on this highly addictive substance and offer resources for those who may be affected.
How Opioids Affect the Brain and Lead to Addiction
Opioids work by mimicking the brain’s natural painkillers, like endorphins, which produce feelings of euphoria and relief. When abused, opioid drugs block the brain’s opioid receptors making it difficult for the drug user to “feel normal” without the drug. This powerful brain chemistry is what makes opioids so addictive.
Types of Opioids
Medically Used Opioids
These opioids are often prescribed for pain relief:
- Dextromethorphan (available in the U.S. without prescription as, e.g., NyQuil, Robitussin, TheraFlu, Vicks)
- Dextropropoxyphene (e.g., Darvocet-N, Darvon)
- Loperamide (e.g., Imodium)
- Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet)
- Oxymorphone (e.g., Opana)
- Meperidine (e.g., Demerol)
- Methadone (e.g., Dolophine)
- Fentanyl/fentanil (e.g., Ultiva, Sublimaze, Duragesic patch)
- Carfentanyl/carfentanil (e.g., Wildnil, for veterinary use)
Frequently Abused Opioids
These drugs are often misused and abused:
- Morphine
- Heroin
- OxyContin (Oxycodone)
- Percocet (Oxycodone and Acetaminophen)
- Codeine
- Vicodin (Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen)
- Fentanyl
Morphine:
First isolated from the opium poppy in the 1800s. Morphine’s medical use soared during the U.S. Civil War. Morphine has been a controlled substance since 1914 because it is highly addictive. Morphine can be administered by syringe and in pill form. It is highly dangerous when used without a prescription and takes lives each year.
Heroin:
This drug was developed in the 1870s while attempting to create a non-addictive morphine substitute. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for its addictive nature to become apparent. Today, highly pure heroin is smoked or snorted. For less pure heroin mixed with other ingredients such as sugars or starch, injection into veins and tissues is more common.
OxyContin:
Developed with a potency to allow for “all-day” pain release OxyContin is often prescribed to cancer patients and other legitimate medical uses. The “Contin” is Big Pharma-speak for “continuous”). Its potency makes it more addictive — and more popular on the street. The pill’s coating was created to regulate the release of oxycodone throughout the day. Unfortunately, it can be rubbed off to reveal the “pearl” of pure oxycodone within, which recreational users crush for injecting or snorting.
Percocet:
This combination drug includes the pain reliever acetaminophen with oxycodone. Overdose risk is increased by this combination. High levels of acetaminophen can lead to liver failure and other side effects.
Codeine:
Available since the 1830s, Codeine is the most widely used opioid worldwide due to its relative mildness (compared to morphine) and legitimate medical utility. Like dextromethorphan, codeine can be found in cough syrup. Though codeine is the milder painkiller of the two, it is more addictive than dextromethorphan. In 2018 The FDA restricted the use of Codeine cough and pain medicines in children.
Vicodin:
Another combination drug pairing acetaminophen with hydrocodone, the most prescribed opioid in the United States. Its addictive quality is similar to morphine and less than oxycodone.
Fentanyl:
A synthetic painkiller that is morphine-like, but much more potent — from 50 to 100 times stronger. It is common to find Heroin laced with fentanyl in the black market, which increases the danger of overdose.
Get Help Today
If you suspect someone you care about may be addicted to opioids, read these signs of addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, contact EOSIS today for professional support. We offer a variety of Residential, Outpatient and virtual treatment options designed to help patients on their unique road to recovery.
