According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the deaths tied to the use of opioids have decreased from 84,181 to 81,083 in 2023. While overdoses from synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, decreased in 2023 compared to cocaine and psychostimulants increased.
There may have been a significant decrease in the level of deaths in 2023, but it is still a significant problem that the whole world is facing. People need to be more aware of the possible effects of opioids and how they can damage you in the long run, especially if they are not used properly.
In this blog, we will talk about what opioids are, why they are used, if they are safe, and the potential risks they bring.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drug that affects nerve cells that can minimize pain. It is typically prescribed by healthcare professionals to manage moderate to severe pain and treat symptoms such as post-surgery pain, chronic pain, chronic diarrhoea, and severe coughing.
Opioids can be taken in several ways, such as:
- Orally
- Through the nose
- Injected into the veins
- Being smoked
However, the use of opioids can become addictive because not only does it minimize pain, but it also creates a feeling of euphoria. This, alongside building up a tolerance to taking an opioid, can result in opioid use disorder.
Opioids operate by attaching to proteins in the body called opioid receptors to minimize your perception of pain. They help the body to feel pain not as intensely as it should feel without the presence of opioids in the system.
Is There a Difference Between Opioids and Opiates?
All opiates are considered opioids, but not all opioids are considered opiates.
Opiates are made from the naturally occurring poppy plant (Papaver Somniferum) that creates the active ingredient in the drug. Some examples are opium, heroin, morphine, and codeine.
Opioids are substances that can be created from the poppy plant as synthetic or semi-synthetic. This means that the active ingredients will be created in a lab following the chemical structure of a natural opioid. Some examples of opioids are morphine, oxycodone, oxycontin, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.
Conditions Treated with Prescription Opioids
People are commonly advised to take opioids for pain relief when moderate to severe pain is experienced. However, some opioids can be used to treat conditions such as coughing and diarrhoea.
Commonly Used Opioids
Doctors prescribe patients specific types of opioids for certain circumstances. Here are some examples of opioids prescribed based on levels of pain:
For moderate to severe pain:
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Hydromorphone
- Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen
- Oxycodone (Oxaydo, Roxicodone, Roxybond)
- Oxycodone and Acetaminophen (Percocet)
For chronic pain:
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
- Hydrocodone extended-release
- Morphine extended-release
- Tapentadol extended release
- Oxycodone extended-release
Is Opioid Medication Safe?
Opioid medication is generally safe to treat pain as long as it is taken for a short period and is prescribed by a doctor. The use of opioids may carry some risks in the long run, but as long as you will:
- Stick to the dose prescribed to you and not go above it.
- Prevent it from letting it interact with other medications and substances and store and dispose of them properly.
The Benefits of Opioid Medicine
Once opioids are taken as instructed by doctors, they can help with various kinds of pain. It is known to be effective in managing pain for patients who are suffering from cancer, low back pain, peripheral neuropathy, and other conditions. By managing severe and chronic pain, it can help improve the quality of sleep, appetite, energy levels, mood, and quality of life.
The Effects of Prescription Opioids
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sedation are some of the common effects of taking the opioid drug. Here are some examples of the common short-term side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Headache
- Flushing
- Mental fog
- Drowsiness
- Itching
- Respiratory depression
- Lethargy
Some examples of long-term effects are:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heightened risk of heart attack
- Depression
- Constipation
- Severe abdominal pain
- Hormonal problems
- Weak bones
- Increased pain
The Risks of Taking Prescription Opioids
Studies have proven that the longer a person takes opioids, they will experience less pain relief. The body adapts to the dosage of opioids being taken which results in building up a tolerance.
Once you start taking prescription opioids, in the long run, you can also develop a heightened sensitivity to pain, which is known as opioid hyperalgesia.
Opioid Addiction
The cause of opioid addiction is not yet completely understood, however, contributing factors such as family history and environmental and lifestyle factors can influence how an opioid affects an individual’s brain.
Taking opioids minimises pain, and in some instances, people can feel euphoria, which is the key factor why people develop an addiction to opioids. In the long run, the level of euphoria goes down, which then forces the person to take a higher dose just to feel the same level they were experiencing previously, as well as to avoid developing withdrawal symptoms.
Consistency is also another factor that influences the development of addiction. The timeline in which someone develops a dependence on opioids depends on how the person’s body will react.
Opioid Overdose
An opioid overdose occurs once the brain excessively stimulates the part of the brain that is in charge of breathing. This happens if a person ingests too many opioids or a combination of it with other substances. The amount to constitute an overdose will be determined by the level of tolerance your body has built up from the duration of your opioid misuse.
This can lead to respiratory depression and eventually death if not treated right away.
The Risks of Synthetic Opioids
Similar to other types of opioids, the risks of using synthetic opioids can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. The side effects of synthetic opioids are identical to natural and semisynthetic opioids, such as drowsiness, sedation, constriction of the pupils, confusion, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, and slow and shallow breathing.
Heroin
Heroin is considered an upgrade to morphine since it was introduced in 1898. It is a highly addictive and illegal opioid. It creates feelings of pleasure by binding to opioid receptors in the body, and once the chemical interaction has taken place, the nerve cells will release dopamine.
Over time, the benefits and pleasurable feelings of taking heroin will be overpowered by the unwanted and negative psychological and physiological effects. As a result, the brain adapts to the heroin in the system and takes action to intercept the effects.
Some side effects of taking heroin are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Grogginess
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Itchy skin
- Constricted pupils
- Light sensitivity
- Lower than normal body temperature
- Slowed respiration and heart rate
- Cyanotic hands, feet, lips, etc.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is known to be 50 or 100 times stronger than morphine. It is commonly produced in illegal labs and sold on the black market, but there are also instances where it is legally prescribed for medical reasons.
Prescribed fentanyl is normally used to treat severe pain. It can be used in the form of an injectable solution, transdermal patch, or a lozenge.
The use of fentanyl can pose serious adverse effects that can potentially be deadly, and there is a possibility of feeling these effects after one use. Here are some of the dangers that fentanyl use can impose:
- Drowsiness and nausea
- Hallucinations and visual disturbances
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Respiratory distress
- Muscle rigidity
- Unconsciousness or sedation
- Seizures
- Overdose
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal happens once the consistent intake of the drug is suddenly stopped. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can last from anywhere between a few days to two weeks.
Here are some common opioid withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Goosebumps
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Yawning
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Body aches
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Belly cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Shaking
- Fast heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can last from anywhere between a few days to two weeks
Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder
Like a lot of chronic diseases, treatment for opioid use disorder is possible. Treatment does work. Recovery is possible. Here are the possible treatment options for opioid use disorder:
Medications
They work by helping to normalise the brain’s chemistry, minimize cravings, and, in some instances, prevent withdrawal symptoms. The choice of using medications in the recovery journey is a personal decision. However, there is strong evidence that medications do support recovery. Here are some medications that are used to treat opioid use disorder:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Lofexidine
- Naltrexone
- Combination drug- a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone.
Counselling
Counselling for opioid use disorder is commonly done for the patient to identify the behaviours attributed to drug abuse and change them for the better. It is also done to teach how to build healthier life skills and helps to commit to other forms of treatment. Here are some of the treatments used for opioid use disorder:
- Individual Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
- Contingency Management
- Group Counselling
- Family Counselling
Residential and Hospital-Based Treatments
Residential or inpatient treatment programs combine housing and treatment protocols. The patient will be living with peers who are experiencing similar problems and who can support them throughout their journey.
Hospital-based treatments combine opioid use disorder treatment and healthcare services for people who have medical problems. Intensive outpatient services may also be offered based on the patient’s needs.
When to Seek Professional Help
The symptoms of any type of substance use disorder can affect people in different ways. However, once the symptoms are starting to cause problems in your everyday life, it is more likely that the help of a professional is needed.
The risks associated with opioid use are unpredictable. It is important to reach out right away if you feel like something different is happening. There are many ways to start your recovery journey. It is time to give your brain and body the rest they deserve.
You can reach out to your insurance provider and ask for a list of medical professionals to get a head start on your condition and for you to understand what steps you need to take.
Considering treatment and rehabilitation may seem overwhelming at first, but once you are there and you understand how it will work, you will feel comfortable enough to express yourself. This is what we here at Sivana Rehab want for our clients.
Experience the beauty of Bali, Indonesia. Start your journey full of peace away from the constant distractions, triggers, and bad influences. Give yourself a chance to discover who you are and enjoy a life away from opioids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most Common Prescription Opioids?
Common prescription opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and fentanyl. These are used for moderate to severe pain but can be highly addictive if misused.
Is It Safe to Take Opioids for Chronic Pain?
Opioids can be safe when taken as prescribed for short periods. Long-term use increases the risk of dependence, tolerance, and opioid use disorder.
What Are the Signs of Opioid Addiction?
Signs include taking higher doses than prescribed, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and inability to stop using despite negative consequences.
What Happens During Opioid Withdrawal?
Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, sweating, shaking, anxiety, insomnia, and, in severe cases, seizures or hallucinations.
How Is Opioid Addiction Treated?
Treatment often combines medication (like methadone or buprenorphine), behavioural therapies, counselling, and inpatient or outpatient rehab.
What’s the Difference Between Opioids and Opiates?
Opiates are naturally derived from the poppy plant (e.g. heroin, morphine), while opioids include synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs like oxycodone and fentanyl.