Opioids are drugs known for their pain-relieving features. They can be derived from poppy plants or synthesized in a lab. Opioids act on the opioid receptors present in the nervous system and other body parts. They reduce the sensation of pain in an individual taking opioids. Understanding the types of opioids can help in addressing the addiction recovery related to them. The following are the most common opioids used and administered: 

Natural Opioids

Natural opioids are obtained from the poppy plants. They are high in morphine and codeine. Morphine and codeine are potent analgesics and mild opioids, respectively. These opioids are used to treat mild to severe pain. 

Semi-Synthetic Opioids

Natural opioids are chemically modified to produce semi-synthetic opioids. Oxycodone and hydrocodone are some of the most common semi-synthetic opioids. They are helpful in treating degrees of pain, however, they cause addiction. Another commonly used synthetic opioid is hydrocodone. Together they are used to treat severe pain. 

Synthetic Opioids

These opioids are entirely synthetic and do not come from opium. Fentanyl is the most popular synthetic opioid. It is 100 folds stronger than natural opioids.  Fentanyl is commonly used to treat cancer-related pain. In recent years the unsupervised and illegal synthesis of fentanyl has increased. It has led to a rapid increase in substance use. Unchecked use of synthetic opioids causes addiction. 

Methadone

Methadone is a synthetic opioid commonly used during opioid addiction treatment. It alleviates withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing users to work toward recovery in a medically supervised atmosphere. It also aids in treating chronic pain. 

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is another synthetic opioid agonist. It is another medication for addiction treatment. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings while also inhibiting the effects of other opioids. Buprenorphine can only be prescribed by a professional suboxone doctor. It’s available in many forms. 

Conclusion 

The opioid crisis, a public health catastrophe in many nations, has highlighted the hazards of opioid abuse. Education and awareness is the most significant tool to address opioid addiction. Addiction professionals should promote the monitored use of opioid medication at drug rehab centers. It is vital to promote safe prescribing practices, make addiction treatment and recovery facilities available, and educate the public about the hazards of opioids. The opioid epidemic is snowballing worldwide, and only the collective efforts of governments, support groups, and individuals can help curb it.