What Are Synthetic Opioids?
Synthetic opioids are narcotics that are chemically engineered in laboratories to mimic the effects of natural opioids derived from the opium poppy plant. Unlike natural opioids like morphine and codeine, which are extracted from opium pods and refined into medication, synthetic opioids are completely man-made in pharmaceutical laboratories. Addiction to synthetic opioids can occur, and […]
Is Codeine an Opioid?
For those wondering, “Is codeine an opioid?”, the answer is yes, codeine is made from an opioid that occurs naturally in the seed pods of certain opium poppies. In the United States, codeine is available in the following forms: If abused, codeine has the potential to become addictive like any other opioid and often requires […]
How is Opioid Addiction Treated?
Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers like oxycodone or hydrocodone, heroin, and fentanyl. Opioid treatment for addiction is available in cases where an individual is struggling with discontinuing use of the substance. Tolerance and dependence on opioids forms rapidly, frequently leading to addiction (opioid use disorder). Although opioid use disorder is […]
Fentanyl Addiction: The Most Deadly Opioid
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has FDA approval for treating complex pain conditions or severe pain following surgery. Over the past decade, fentanyl has been made in labs and distributed illegally. This product is referred to as illicitly manufactured fentanyl. As fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have made their way into the drug supply, […]
Oxycontin (Oxycodone) Addiction
OxyContin (oxycodone) is an effective short-term painkiller that is also associated with abuse and addiction. This guide highlights the signs and dangers of oxycodone abuse. Learn how Oxy addiction can develop quickly and discover how to detox and engage with evidence-based treatment if you are addicted to OxyContin. What is OxyContin? OxyContin is a branded […]
Effects of Opioids
The effects of opioid addiction are triggered by the substance stimulating opioid receptors that occur naturally in the brain. When you ingest any type of opioid, this disrupts the transmission of pain signals, leading to an altered perception of pain. In addition to relieving pain, opioids also induce feelings of euphoria. All opioids have a […]
Opioid Overdose: What to Know
Opioid overdose can occur for a variety of reasons and can even be fatal. This class of drug includes prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as heroin and fentanyl. Opioid painkillers are prescribed to manage pain following surgery or injury. Opioids are also commonly prescribed to treat severe pain from conditions like cancer. […]
The Opioid Crisis in America
The opioid crisis in America remains unresolved. Indeed, the epidemic is now entering its third wave thanks to the menace of fentanyl. Opioid can be natural (opiates), semi-synthetic (heroin and prescription painkillers), or synthetic (fentanyl). All types of opioids target and activate opioid receptors that occur naturally in the brain. Additionally, opioids reduce pain signaling […]