Author: Gary Jackson

Opiates, Opioids, and Narcotics: Understanding the Difference

Other medications work by binding to the same receptors as opiates, but they do not occur naturally. While synthetic opioids are manufactured chemically, semi-synthetic opioids are a hybrid resulting from chemical modifications to natural opiates. Heroin is also considered a narcotic because it acts on the same receptors in the brain and causes the same effects as prescription opioids. This means using different methods and different branches of healthcare to manage pain. It’s very important to tell your healthcare provider which medications, supplements and/or other substances you’re taking before starting prescribed opioids.

Can I take opioids if I’m pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant?

You can develop an addiction to a wide range of things, from over-the-counter substances — including caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol — to controlled substances. Addiction, in contrast, is a chronic dysfunction of the brain system involving memory, motivation, and reward. When it’s related to drugs, it’s sometimes referred to as a substance use disorder.

Understanding the potential for tolerance, dependence, and addiction

  1. Doctors can legally prescribe most, except for some Schedule I opioids, such as heroin.
  2. Some opioids, such as heroin, have no medical function and are illegal to use or distribute except in medical research.
  3. Other opioids that may sound familiar include codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxybond, others).
  4. Medical attention is still urgently needed after naloxone is administered.
  5. In some cases, it’s added to other drugs, including other illegally manufactured opioids and cocaine, without consumers knowing.

Unintentional opium poisoning can cause seizures, coma, and death. There are a number of ways in which somebody might use fentanyl. It can be snorted, smoked, taken orally, or spiked onto blotter paper or patches.

What We Treat

This means the government regulates their manufacture, possession, and use. People often take opioids for the feelings of euphoria and relaxation they can provide. There are a variety of different opioids, and some are taken more often than others. Opioids are a category of drugs and medications that are generally used for pain relief. In its 2022 Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, the CDC expressed its preference for non-opioid treatment of chronic pain.

While all opioids are different, common side effects include nausea and vomiting, itchiness, sedation, constipation, and slower breathing. Unintentional opioid poisoning is possible, too, and can lead to coma and death. Healthcare providers generally don’t prescribe opioids to people who are pregnant, as the fetus can become dependent on opioids. Approximately 50% of babies develop neonatal abstinence syndrome when exposed to opioids while in the uterus.

Today, “opioid” is the preferred term, in part due to the connotations the term narcotic has. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an analgesic and an anesthetic. Hydromorphone, often prescribed as Dilaudid, is used to relieve pain. Never share your opioid medication with someone else or sell your medication. Always store it in a safe place away from children and pets. Granite Recovery Centers has been transforming the lives of alcohol and drug dependent adults from New England and well beyond.

What are the types of opioids?

Legally, opioids are controlled substances classified from Schedule I to Schedule V depending on their medical usefulness and potential for dependence. Doctors can legally prescribe most, except for some Schedule I opioids, such as heroin. The terms “narcotics” and “opioids” are both commonly used, but the preferred term in medical and legal contexts is now “opioids.” Opioids are primarily used for pain relief. Illegally manufactured fentanyl, on the other hand, comes from unregulated sources. It’s found in pill, liquid, and powder form, usually without any kind of information about its potency or dosing guidelines. In some cases, it’s added to other drugs, including other illegally manufactured opioids and cocaine, without consumers knowing.

And likewise, if you’re looking for support for yourself or somebody else, there are places you can go. This might include not using a substance while alone or having a trusted friend or loved one check in on you. If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Opioids can be made from the poppy plant — for example, morphine (Duramorph, MS Contin, others). Or opioids can be made in a laboratory — for example, fentanyl (Actiq and Fentora). Other opioids that may sound familiar include codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxybond, others).

It can provide a euphoric rush, as well as feelings of relaxation and pain relief. It’s often prescribed as MS-Contin, Oramorph SR, and Roxanol. Here is how the CDC clarifies three terms often used to describe a person’s progressive dependence on opioids. According to the CDC and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the correct term is now “opioids.” The term “narcotics,” used accurately, refers only to opioids.