What Are Opiates?

Opiates and opioids are in the news more than ever nowadays, and with good reason. These are dangerously addictive substances that are a part of the medical community as well as the street drug community. There is confusion between the terms opiate and opioid, although they are closely related and often conflated. Opioid is often used as the umbrella term for opiates and opioids. The distinction is largely about whether the drugs were derived from natural sources or were created in a lab synthetically. Either way, if you or a loved one are caught in the cycle of opioid addiction, seeking opiate detox in Texas at The Right Step is an excellent first step in reclaiming a life of sobriety and recovery. Call 17135283709 for more information on treatment options.

How Are Opiates And Opioids Similiar And Different?

Opiates include drugs like heroin, morphine, and codeine. These drugs are derived from the opium poppy plant and work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces pain signals. Opiates are typically used to treat severe pain, such as pain from surgery or cancer. However, because they are so potent and have a high potential for abuse, they are often only prescribed for short-term use.

Opioids, on the other hand, are a class of drugs that includes both natural and synthetic substances. Natural opioids, like morphine and codeine, are derived from the opium poppy plant. Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl and oxycodone, are manufactured drugs that act on the same opioid receptors in the brain as natural opioids. Opioids are typically used to treat moderate to severe pain, but they can also be used to treat cough and diarrhea. Like opiates, opioids have a high potential for abuse and addiction.

How Can Opiates Become Addictive?

Opiates include heroin, morphine, and codeine. They are often lumped in with their synthetic counterparts, hydrocodone, and the name brands Vicodin, Percocet, and other narcotic prescriptions. Opiates are highly addictive, so even if they are used for legitimate medical reasons, there is an inherent risk of dependency and addiction.

Opiates, by definition, bind to the opioid receptors of the brain. The parts of the brain involved are highly sensitive to addiction. The concept and emotional links to reward in the human brain are both biological and social factors. Reward is something that humans naturally seek, and because these drugs work with that area of the brain. It has the potential to become highly addictive.

The feeling of being rewarded is sought after in varying degrees. The addict can easily build a tolerance for the drug and seek out these rewarding behaviors and the drug that satisfies them all the more.

Addicted To Pain Relief

At the same time, the ability to not feel pain is a desire of people who are in extreme pain or afraid of the same. Many people become addicted to opiates because they have been prescribed the opiate by a doctor or dentist following a procedure that could produce pain. Humans naturally seek to avoid pain.

Another reason that opiates are so addictive is that opiates work with the area of the brain that controls addictive behaviors. Genetic factors predispose some to struggle more with addiction. Consequently, some people are more inclined physiologically to become addicted. Because opiates work directly with this portion of the brain, opiate users risk becoming addicted.

What To Do If You Are Addicted To Opiates

Realize that you are not alone. This is reaching epidemic proportions in our nation and the world in general. An important factor is an awareness of why the drugs are so addictive. Another critical factor is that you have the power to avoid the use of opiate substances. There’s no better way to prevent an addiction than never to start taking the potentially addictive substance. Contacting a professional treatment center like The Right Step is an excellent first step in getting treatment or simply gaining information about opiates.

Reach Out to The Right Step Today

The Right Step Addiction Treatment Centers have a track record of helping people realize prolonged and permanent sobriety. No two clients are alike. However, our treatment facility features comfortable and accommodating amenities as well as efficient and proven treatment modalities. You’re bringing your desire to be sober. We bring professional, tried, and true treatment methods to help you achieve your goal. Together we can help you or your loved one take the right step in the right direction to beat this disease. In addition to opiate rehabilitation treatment, we offer the following modalities:

Don’t let the opiates’ definition be your ultimate definition. In other words, opiate addiction doesn’t have to define your life. Stop this vicious cycle by understanding that you have the power to end active addiction in your life. We are here to help you with your new definition of yourself. Call The Right Step today at 17135283709 or contact us online.

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