What is an Opioid?

What is an Opioid? 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. All individuals who take opioids run the risk of addiction. As such, when asking “what is an opioid?” it is important to know the different types, the signs of addiction, and the signs of an overdose. Prescription Opioids Opioids interact with the opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. This interaction interferes with communication between the body’s nerves and the brain. For individuals suffering from chronic pain, whether from injury, surgery or other chronic pain condition, this can provide much-needed pain relief that over-the-counter medications are not strong enough to control. Along with interfering with pain receptors, opioids also provide a euphoric high to relax the user. This feeling can trigger the reward system in the brain. Eating delicious foods, being with someone you love, or seeing a beautiful view can also trigger the same reward system. As such, the body wants more and more until, eventually, dependency and addiction have taken over and withdrawal symptoms kick in. This is why opioids need to be slowly tapered off when they are prescribed so that uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms do not occur. Opioids by Name When asking “what is an opioid?”, it is important to know all the different types o...
Source: Cliffside Malibu - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Detox Resources for Alcohol and Drugs/Opiates Heroin Painkiller fentanyl opioid opioid crisis opioids prescription drug addiction Source Type: blogs