Opioids

Opioids Addiction

What are Opioids?

Opioids are drugs used to treat and relieve moderate-to-severe pain. They belong to a class of drugs called narcotics and can be naturally found in the opium poppy plant (opiates like morphine and codeine),  or synthetically created in laboratories (fentanyl). Opioids work by blocking pain signals in the brain.

When ingested, the drugs attach to opioid receptors in different parts of the brain and body and replace pain with a powerful “high” that makes users feel relaxed and happy. Opioids are available as prescription medications or manufactured illegally and sold on the streets by drug dealers.

How Does Addiction to Opioids Work?

Due to their relaxing and pain-relieving effects, opioids have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Regular use of these prescription drugs can lead to an increased tolerance of their effects. As a result, people might have to take more of the drug to experience the initial “high.”

After an extended period of opioid use, many people might experience intense cravings and feel sick for weeks at a time if they try to stop using the drugs. These are signs of chemical dependence on opioids that have led to mental and physical withdrawal. Many people will continue using opioids to make the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms go away, which leaves them at risk of experiencing a fatal overdose.

It’s recommended for any person experiencing opioid withdrawal to receive medically supervised detox at an addiction treatment center to safely remove the drug from their system.