Opioids are a group of natural or synthetic drugs that are used to relieve pain or produce euphoria. They do this by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain’s nervous system to release the brain chemical dopamine. Certain opioids may be prescribed by doctors to relieve chronic pain, acute pain from an injury or surgery, or during cancer treatment.

Prescription opioids include:

• Codeine
• Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)
• Fentanyl (Duragesic)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Methadone
• Morphine (Kadian, Avinza)
• Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet)
• Propoxyphene (Darvon)

These opioids are legal to prescribe and use under the direction of a physician, and are manufactured without unknown additives. Other opioids like heroin and street-produced fentanyl are illegal to use and possess.

Opioid abuse disorder is a chronic relapsing condition with serious potential side effects and is characterized by the inability to stop using opioids. Opioid use can lead to physical dependence in as little as a month, and abruptly stopping use can lead to severe side effects.

The word “opioids” is often used interchangeably with “opiates,” but this isn’t always correct; all opiates are opioids, but the reverse isn’t true. That’s because “opioids” refers to the entire class of drugs, while the word “opiates” refers to opioids that are naturally produced. There are three types of opioids:

• Naturally occurring opioids (or opiates) are derived directly from the opium poppy and include morphine, codeine, and thebaine.
• Semi-synthetic opioids are produced in a lab but are derived from opiates, and include some of the most common prescription pain medications, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. Heroin is also a semi-synthetic opioid.
• Fully synthetic opioids are produced in a lab to mimic the effects of natural opioids and include fentanyl and methadone.

If you think that yourself or a loved one might be struggling with opioid use disorder, symptoms might not be noticeable right away. Over time, opioid use can start to affect your daily life and behaviors. Some common signs of opioid addiction include:

• Inability to control or stop opioid use
• Uncontrollable opioid cravings
• Flu-like symptoms
• Weight loss
• Drowsiness
• Change in sleep habits
• Isolation from loved ones
• Hygiene irregularities
• Decreased libido
• New financial difficulties
• Risk-taking behaviors
• Depression

If you or a loved one are seeking help, contact an opioid addiction treatment program near you as soon as possible. Roots Recovery is located in Milwaukee and serves Wisconsin as well as neighboring areas in the greater Midwest.

Opioids have short term effects including drowsiness, pain relief, confusion, and feelings of euphoria. Opioids can have long term effects that can include brain injury, liver disease, seizures, and strokes.

Opioid tolerance increases the longer you take opioids, which means that more of the drugs are needed to feel an effect. This is dangerous because it increases the risk of overdose. Opioids and opiates are depressants, that means they slow down and can stop breathing and heart rhythm.

If a person who has become dependent on opioids stops taking them, the withdrawal symptoms can be painful and disruptive. Symptoms of withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 24 hours of stopping opioid use. The team of addiction therapists at Roots Recovery has the resources you need to manage symptoms safely and begin the road to recovery.