different types of opioids revida recovery

different types of opioids revida recovery

They never asked what kind of opioid it was. They didn’t stop to question the details. As parents, friends, and loved ones grieving a life lost to an opioid overdose, they can’t help but wonder – would knowing have made a difference? Now, all that remains is the aching void, the memory of laughter, and the radiance of a smile, forever out of reach.

Though overdose deaths in Virginia decreased by 5% from 2021 to 2022, 8 out of 10 overdoses involved fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and tramadol. This shows the need for continued opioid education throughout our communities.

ReVIDA® Recovery understands the heartache that comes with loss to opioid overdoses. Different types of opioids can have different potencies, and knowing what is what can help you understand how much your loved one is taking. Let’s talk about the similarities and differences between the types of opioids and how to recognize an overdose.

Opioids Explained: The Different Types You Should Know

Opioids are a type of substance derived from the opium poppy plant. Though some have medicinal purposes, many opioids have been altered for the illicit market. Each one works in the brain by binding to opioid receptors, blocking sensations of pain, and causing feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

Opioids are split into three categories: natural, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic. Each type varies in potency, uses, and legality. Let’s break down these categories and the key similarities and differences between them.

Natural Opioids: Straight From the Natural Plant

Natural opioids are often referred to as opiates. These substances are chemical compounds only derived from the seed pods of the poppy plant and contain the plant matter. Examples of opiates include morphine, codeine, and opium. Morphine and codeine are both Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications. Morphine is used to treat severe pain such as after major surgery or cancer. Codeine is prescribed to treat moderate pain or in conjunction with other medication to treat coughing.

Because these medications are FDA-approved, there are regulations in terms of prescribing and dosage amounts. However, morphine, codeine, and opium all pose the risk of illicit use. Codeine mixed with soda is referred to as liquid heroin or lean.

Semi-Synthetic Opioids: A Blend of Nature and Science

Semi-synthetic opioids combine the poppy plant and further scientific processing. In other words, the plant is synthesized further to increase the potency of the substance but still contains some plant matter, even if it is very little. These include the prescriptions of hydrocodone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. However, heroin is also considered a semi-synthetic opioid. Government-regulated labs are in charge of producing prescription semi-synthetic opioids while heroin is produced only in illicit laboratories.

Heroin is similar in structure to morphine, but because it goes through an acetylation process during synthesizing, it becomes more lipophilic. This means that heroin passes through the blood-brain barrier more rapidly, increasing potency and the onset of effects. This is where the draw of heroin comes in.

Prescription semi-synthetic opioids are utilized for moderate to severe pain instances and are FDA-approved. However, they can be taken illicitly through non-approved routes as a way to increase their effects and potency.

Synthetic Opioids: Fully Human-Made Substances

The most commonly known synthetic opioid is fentanyl. Fentanyl analogs include acetyl fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, beta- hydroxythiofentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, acryl fentanyl, and U-47700. As a synthetic opioid, fentanyl contains no trace of the poppy plant, it has been chemically altered to the point the plant matter is gone. Prescription fentanyl exists for extreme pain such as cancer patients. It comes in a patch, lozenge, and nasal spray.

Illicit fentanyl is different from prescription fentanyl as there are no regulations when it comes to producing it. Fentanyl can range from 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it one of the strongest opioids on the illicit market.

opioids explained the different types you should know

What Do Opioids Have in Common?

The main similarity between all opioids is that they work in the same manner. When an opioid enters the body, it attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and along the central nervous system. This causes the initial feelings of euphoria, followed by drowsiness, itchiness, and dizziness. As these feelings wear off, the person may start nodding in and out of consciousness.

This can lead to the next similarity between all opioids – overdose. It does not matter if the opioid is natural or fully synthetic, any opioid taken in excess poses the risk of causing a life-threatening overdose. When too much of an opioid enters the body, breathing slows to a stop. This causes oxygen to no longer enter the body, starving vital organs of the much-needed gas. If breathing is not restored, these organs will begin withstanding damage that can be permanent. Giving Narcan® can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and it may take more than one dose depending on the potency of the opioid.

Lastly, all opioids pose the risk of developing dependence. This occurs after taking opioids for some time as the brain becomes accustomed to having them in the system. When opioids are no longer present, the brain sends signals indicating a need for more. Withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as 6-8 hours after the last dose of opioids. These symptoms include:

  • Yawning
  • Runny nose
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle tension
  • Stomach cramps

Withdrawal is not typically life-threatening but it does cause discomfort. This leads to cravings for more opioids, which is a key sign of an opioid use disorder. Even when taking opioids as prescribed, dependence can still occur. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are taking a prescription and feel you are developing a dependence.

How Opioid Types Differ: Breaking Down the Key Variations

Despite being the same class of substance, opioids do share key variations. Potency is one of the largest differences between each type of opioid. As we mentioned above, fentanyl is a highly potent opioid, especially compared to opioids that were made through government-regulated labs. Heroin can also vary in potency as it is not always made the same each time.

Another part of potency is the method of ingestion. Most prescription opioids are taken by mouth via a pill or through an IV monitored by medical staff. Swallowing a pill can delay the effects of the medication, especially if the person has eaten a meal. IV delivery is the fastest way to feel the effects of opioids.

Morphine, heroin, and fentanyl are often taken via injection, though pills such as oxycodone and hydrocodone can be crushed, dissolved in water, and taken through injection. Heroin and fentanyl can be swallowed like pills though this method is uncommon as it takes longer to feel the effects. Illicit opioid use involves whichever method the person feels will deliver the effects the fastest, while opioids administered in a medical environment follow regulations.

One key difference between all the opioids is that fentanyl stands out from the crowd in how it has affected the illicit drug market. Fentanyl can come in powder or liquid form and be added to substances without the person knowing. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and can be mixed in other powders, pressed into pills, or poured into other liquids. This is where the dangers of fentanyl come in as the person can experience an overdose without knowing they have ingested an opioid.

what do opioids have in common

Getting Help for Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder can happen to anyone no matter what type is being taken. The cycle of opioid use and experiencing withdrawal can have you feeling trapped like the merry-go-round will never stop. There is hope to get off the ride, all you have to do is put your hand out. Reaching out for help is the first step in leaving opioids behind for good. Entering Suboxone treatment will ease the transition from opioid use disorder to recovery. You will begin the healing process in a safe environment surrounded by peers with like-minded stories. Outpatient therapy combined with a Suboxone regime will give you the tools necessary for a successful and fulfilling recovery.

If you or someone you love is taking different types of opioids, help is available today. ReVIDA® Recovery offers flexible therapy options in combination with Suboxone treatment. We have seen firsthand the difference Suboxone makes in recovery and are proud to provide the residents of Tennessee and Virginia with a judgment-free space dedicated to healing. Once you are established in our program, we offer telehealth treatment options to ease access to your care. Call us today at 423-631-0432 to learn more about our program offerings.

Reclaim your life.