Opioid abuse and addiction are severe problems in the United States. Millions of people around the country struggle with addiction to prescription and illicit opioid drugs. Opioids are highly addictive, and developing an addiction can mean severe, even life-threatening problems.
People can develop opioid addiction after just a short period of use. It is essential to understand the risk of opioid abuse and addiction and seek treatment as early as possible.
This article will explore synthetic opioids. You will learn:
- What synthetic opioids are
- The risks of abusing synthetic opioids
- How to recognize synthetic opioid abuse and addiction
- Where to find treatment for opioid use disorder
If you or someone you love struggle with opioid addiction, you are not alone. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting the First Step Behavioral Health specialists. Learn about our comprehensive treatment and support programs, or schedule an intake appointment by reaching out today.
Synthetic Opioids: An Overview
Opioids are substances that bind to specific brain receptors in areas related to pleasure, pain management, and emotional regulation. People who use opioids may experience a range of effects, including relaxation, reduced pain, and euphoria.[1]
There are two types of opioids: natural opioids and synthetic opioids. Heroin and morphine are examples of natural opioids.
Examples of synthetic opioids include:[2]
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
- U-47700
- Tramadol
- Carfentanil
- Acetyl Fentanyl
Some synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, are up to 100 times more potent than morphine or drugs like heroin.[3] Synthetic opioids contribute to thousands of overdose deaths every year.
Drug traffickers or dealers may sell counterfeit opioids or use them as a cutting agent for other illicit drugs. People may ingest fentanyl or other opioids while using cocaine, heroin, or other illegal substances. Accidental ingestion can lead to fatal overdoses.
The pleasurable side effects of opioids can cause people to misuse them. People may develop tolerance, withdrawal, and other signs of addiction after a short period of opioid abuse. It is important to recognize the risk of using synthetic opioids and seek treatment as soon as possible.
The Risks of Synthetic Opioids
Synthetic opioids are highly dangerous. Counterfeit opioids like illicit fentanyl contribute to skyrocketing drug overdose deaths in the United States.
Many people develop opioid addiction after taking prescription opioids like morphine and codeine. These drugs provide effective pain relief. However, people may quickly become dependent on them, even when taking them as prescribed.
People who develop an addiction to a prescription opioid may turn to counterfeit fentanyl or other illicit opioids. Using illicit synthetic opioids other than methadone puts people at risk of overdose and other severe problems.
Opioids depress breathing and other central nervous system (CNS) activity. People who abuse opioids may experience depressed breathing that can lead to coma, brain damage, or death.
It is important to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and seek immediate emergency assistance. Some signs of an opioid overdose include:[4]
- Cold or clammy skin
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Stopped breathing
- Very small pupils
- Difficulty staying awake
- Loss of coordination
- Blue or gray nails or lips
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Extreme drowsiness
- Difficulty talking or walking
- Unable to wake the person by shouting or shaking them
An opioid overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. If someone near you is experiencing an opioid overdose, you must call 911. Administer Narcan (naloxone) if it is available. Wait with the person until EMS arrives.
The most effective way to prevent opioid overdose is to avoid misusing opioids. If you exhibit symptoms of opioid abuse or addiction, seek professional treatment and support as quickly as possible.
Recognizing Synthetic Opioid Abuse and Addiction
Many people develop substance use disorder (SUD) after using prescription or illicit opioids. The effects of synthetic opioids are similar to the effects of prescription opioids. People may experience opioid side effects that include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Euphoria
- Sedation
- Pain relief
- Drowsiness
Synthetic opioids are typically more potent and fast-acting than naturally-derived opioids. People who use prescription or illicit synthetic opioids may quickly develop physical dependence or addiction to them.
Some common signs of synthetic opioid abuse and addiction include:
- Taking higher or more frequent doses of a prescription drug
- Needing to take more of an opioid drug to get the desired effects
- Experiencing financial, social, or legal trouble related to opioid use
- Becoming isolated
- Being sneaky, secretive, or dishonest about opioid use
- Having multiple prescriptions for an opioid drug
- Finishing a prescription early
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using a drug
- Stealing or doing illegal things to get more of a drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop using a drug
People with opioid addiction do not choose to take these potent drugs. They must take them to avoid uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction
People with opioid addiction typically require comprehensive treatment and support to stop using these potent substances. Treatment may include:[5]
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Medical and mental health treatment
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Holistic therapies
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare support
Holistic opioid addiction treatment can help people understand the roots of their addiction. It can give them the support and tools to safely stop using opioids and avoid relapse in the future.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggle with opioid abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our comprehensive, compassionate treatment programs.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Opioids
- Science Direct: Synthetic Opioids
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Fentanyl
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Opioid Overdose
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
