Opioids in Their Various Forms

Opioids are a leading cause of addiction for people in the United States due to their highly addictive chemical makeup. While some people may only imagine illegal “street drugs” when they think of these substances, opioids come in many forms.

In order to be aware of what substances you or loved ones are taking, it’s important to know and recognize opioids in their different forms.

Naturally-Occurring

Derived from the opium poppy plant, this form of opiate has historically been used to address severe pain when other medications have not helped. Naturally-occurring opiates include morphine, codeine, and thebaine. Oftentimes, these substances are injected into the bloodstream or taken in the form of a tablet or capsule.

On top of providing pain relief, these drugs can also provide a euphoric feeling and can later be abused if adults take more than their prescribed dosage.

Semi-Synthetic

These drugs are made in a lab using the naturally-occurring poppy plant. Also commonly created and used to treat pain, these drugs include medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. Due to the highly-addictive chemical makeup of these semi-synthetic drugs, many adults can become hooked on their pain medications as they misuse them over time.

Heroin is also a semi-synthetic drug, made from morphine, and is one of the most dangerous “street drugs” around, causing around 130 deaths per day. In some cases, adults who struggle with addiction to opioid-based pain medication will turn to heroin when their prescription runs out or when they cannot afford them anymore because heroin is cheap and often easily accessible.

Fully-Synthetic

These drugs are made entirely in a lab and are formulated to mimic the effects of semi-synthetic or naturally-occurring drugs. This form of opioid is responsible for more deaths than semi-synthetic or naturally-occurring opioids and can include fentanyl, methadone, and pethidine.

Opioid Addiction Treatment for Adults

No matter what forms it comes in, opioid addiction is not something to ignore. When you are struggling with substance use, Silver Ridge is here to help with expert opiate addiction treatment. Contact us today to begin your journey.