Are you wondering, “What are opioids?” Get the answers! Opioids are a class of prescription and illicit drugs that are derived from the poppy plant, which originates in South America. These substances produce reactions in the brain that range from pain relief to euphoria. Every reaction that opioids cause in the brain can cause a person to become addicted after multiple uses.
Opioids are often prescribed by doctors to help patients who suffer from severe or chronic pain. Some patients may also take these medications after major surgery. Additionally, recreational opioids often come in the form of dangerous drugs like heroin. If you need more information about what opioids are, or if you need opioid addiction treatment, we are ready to help. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today to learn more.
What Are Opioids?
When a person is injured, they experience pain. The pain is produced when a signal is sent from the nerve in the pain area to a pain receptor in the brain. This process alerts the person that the body is experiencing some form of pain or discomfort. Opioids bind to pain receptors and block the signal from the source.
The block immediately cuts off the pain signal and the person doesn’t feel the pain. A doctor describes a specific type of opioid depending on the level of pain that a person feels. Keep in mind that these medications play no role in healing the body. It simply ‘kills’ the pain.
Opioids also create other reactions in the brain, making them more attractive. In addition, they can also create a sense of euphoria, making the user feel relaxed. This combination of killing pain and creating euphoria is what makes these pills so addictive. It is also what led to the recreational use of the substance.
Common Opioids on the Market Today
By now, you may have heard about the opioid epidemic that has plagued the U.S. and other countries around the world. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) nearly 130 people die per day from overdosing on opioids. In 2018 alone, nearly 50,000 people died in the U.S. from an overdose.
While it would be easy to assume that these deaths are due to illicit drug use, prescription medication also plays a significant role in opioid-related fatalities. What are opioids? Some of the most common forms on the market today include:
- Oxycontin
- Vicodin
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
Other common types of opioids include morphine, codeine, acetaminophen, methadone, Tramadol, Carfentanil, and Meperidine. Whether prescription or illicit, all of these drugs are potentially addictive and highly dangerous if abused or taken in a way that they were not intended.
Treatment for Addiction
Treatment centers in the U.S. now provide comprehensive care for opioid addiction. Regardless of how severe addiction is, the user can still get the help they need to overcome their addiction and get on the road to recovery. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery provides help through extensive programs such as:
- Outpatient rehab
- Aftercare programs
- Evidence-based treatment
- Holistic care
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Dual diagnosis for co-occurring disorders
A person who is serious about recovery, while begin their treatment by going through detox. From there they may participate in a 30, 60, or 90-day program, followed by continued support that they may engage in for life. With the right treatment, any type of opioid addiction can be treated and the user can move forward beyond their addiction.
Find Out More About Addiction Treatment Today
Learn more about this epidemic by contacting CMAR. We offer medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. To find out more about our addiction treatment center, call 833.448.0127. We can help you get started on the road to recovery today.