What is the Definition of “Opioid”?

What is the Definition of “Opioid”? The definition of opioid is as follows: Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Opioids work by interacting with the opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. By interacting with these receptors, opioids medications are able to cut off communication between the pain point on the body to the brain. This chemical interaction gives it’s users pain relief that is too great for over-the-counter medications to soothe. Opioids are especially helpful when someone has experienced a painful injury, surgery, or another type of chronic pain. A side effect of opioid medications is that they produce a euphoric feeling. This euphoria is what many individuals become addicted to because it triggers the reward system in the brain. When this system becomes triggered, the brain is essentially tricked into thinking that opioids are good for the body and essential, which keeps people addicted and coming back for more. What are Examples of an Opioid? There are a few different forms of opioids, including natural and man-made (or synthetic). These two types are further broken down into prescription opioids used for pain management or non-prescribed illegal street drug opioids. Examples of opioids include: Vicodin OxyContin Percocet Opana Kadian Avinza Code...
Source: Cliffside Malibu - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Addiction to Pharmaceuticals fentanyl heroin heroin addiction opiate opiate abuse opiate addiction opiates opioid opioids Source Type: blogs