When we think about drug abuse, we often defer to drugs like cocaine, meth, or marijuana. However, some of the most addictive substances in the U.S. are opioids. Used for medical and recreational purposes, opioids are known for their ability to reduce pain and cause the user to feel relaxed. Below, we look at opioid abuse addiction and three of the most commonly abused drugs on the market today.
What Is Opioid Abuse?
The opioid epidemic has sparked an interest in opioid abuse from numerous non-profit organizations, government agencies, and heroin addiction treatment centers in Maryland. However, little is known about opioids from the public. In general, opioids are a class of drugs that come from the poppy plant. They are often prescribed to reduce pain.
Common opioids include:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
Opioids are highly effective in killing pain. They also produce euphoric sensations, causing the user to feel relaxed. This combination of effects is why opioids are popular and addictive. The significant rise in prescriptions over the past year has led to an opioid epidemic that is out of control.
Three Common Opioids
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal substance that comes from the poppy plant in South America or Southeast Asia. The substance is typically a white or brown powder. Pure heroin is white and can be smoked or snorted. This is a more appealing way for new users to take the drug. Impure heroin is brown and is injected into the veins.
Close to two million Americans abuse heroin, making it one of the most addictive recreational drugs on the market today. Heroin binds to and activates receptors in the brain. This creates a relaxed or euphoric feeling that can last for 10 to 20 minutes. Heroin can relieve pain and anxiety and give the user a sense of well-being, which is why it is highly addictive.
Morphine
Morphine is primarily used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Like heroin, morphine comes from the poppy plant. Most patients take morphine in capsule or tablet form. The difference between morphine and other painkillers is that morphine is used to relieve acute pain at high levels. Therefore, you should never take it to treat mild or chronic pain.
If you use morphine for a long time, you are likely to develop a mental or physical dependence, which can lead to harmful side effects, including severe withdrawal symptoms. If you have an addiction to morphine and want to opioid abuse, then you should seek help from an opioid addiction treatment center. Detoxing on your own could be unsafe and lead to harmful withdrawal symptoms.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has similar effects as morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Fentanyl is occasionally used to manage severe pain that occurs from injuries or surgeries. It is also used as a supplement or additive for other drugs. For instance, developers may add fentanyl to heroin to increase its potency.
Fentanyl produces a variety of effects on the body, including sedation, pain relief, euphoria, and relaxation. Fentanyl is powerful enough to cause serious health problems or fatality in just one use. Many people who use fentanyl have no idea they have consumed it, as it is not advertised as being an ingredient in certain drugs.
Get Help for Opioid Abuse at Fresh Start Recovery Center
Are you struggling with opioid addiction? If so, you can get help for opioid abuse at Fresh Start Recovery Center. We offer a variety of addiction treatment therapies to help you get off of opioids and stay off of them for good. Contact Fresh Start Recovery Center at 833.625.0398 to get started with your treatment today.
