Opioids are a class of drugs that derive from, or mimic, natural substances found in the opium poppy plant. Opioids work in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including pain relief. As a class of substances, they act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. Opioid drugs may also be called opiates, painkillers or narcotics. All opioids work similarly: They activate an area of nerve cells in the brain and body called opioid receptors that block pain signals between the brain and the body.
Opioids are either derived from, or chemically similar to, compounds found in opium poppies. Opioids include:
- Medications that can be used appropriately by doctors to relieve pain from complex medical procedures, broken bones or cancer. These include:
- Prescription painkillers like oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and codeine
- Synthetic fentanyl
- Heroin and illegally manufactured fentanyl
How do opioids affect the body?
These drugs bond to opioid receptors in the human body and brain, blocking pain. In addition to providing pain relief, opioids can produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation — especially when misused (taking the wrong dosage, using without a prescription).
Side effects of opioids can include nausea, confusion and depression. Opioids also quickly build both tolerance and physical dependence, which can lead users to take larger and larger doses in order to feel the same relief.
This can lead to addiction and overdose.
When too many opioids plug the brain’s opioid receptors, the autonomic function suppresses until breathing and heart rate slows to a stop. Oxygen levels in the blood decrease and eventually vital organs like the heart and brain stop.
Opioids are a factor in 7 out of every 10 drug-related deaths according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
Stigma and criminalization
Stigma surrounding substance use and overdose keeps many individuals from seeking the help they need. Addiction is seen as a moral failing, rather than a complex medical condition.
This mindset keeps people from speaking up and asking for help when they need it. It can also cause people to hide their drug use and consume substances alone – which is dangerous since no one is there to administer a reversal agent, such as naloxone (Narcan), or call for help.
Bottom line: Negative attitudes about people with addiction affect their ability to find help and recover.
Criminalization further compounds the crisis, pushing individuals into the shadows and preventing them from receiving the care they need. Shifting public perception and promoting a compassionate, evidence-based approach can pave the way for recovery and healing.
Finding treatment
Whether someone is wondering what type of treatment may work best, searching for treatment programs, or looking to hear from others in recovery, Shatterproof Treatment Atlas is a reliable source of information to help people make the best choice. It is free, publicly available and is confidential. The platform was built in conjunction with the American Society of Addiction Medicine and allows users to search by location, insurance, type of payment and severity of issue to find quality care that meets their needs. Additionally, they can view and compare facilities, and leave a review.
There is always hope for recovery
September is National Recovery Month. From medications to support groups, programs where a person goes away for treatment and those where they stay at home – there are so many tools that can help someone on their journey to recovery. Like any big life change, recovery doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right tools people recover every day.
By addressing prevention, education, treatment, and support, we can strive toward a future where individuals find hope, healing, and recovery.
