Many people who talk about drug abuse and addiction commonly use the terms opioids and opiates interchangeably. However, distinguishing between the two can be important. Naturally-occurring drugs, such as morphine, are opiates. Prescription painkillers and other drugs synthesized from opiates or created to mimic opiate effects are opioids. This bring us to the question: is heroin an opioid or an opiate?
Is Heroin an Opioid?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse clarifies that heroin is an opioid drug that is derived from morphine, a natural opiate from the Asian opium poppy plant. Opioids are made from opium and include both illegal drugs purchased on the street and prescription painkiller medications.
Common opioids include:
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Fentanyl
- Oxymorphone
Also according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 4 million Americans over the age of 12 have used heroin in their lifetime. This is about nearly 2% percent of the U.S. population, with 23% of those trying heroin becoming dependent on the drug.
How Heroin Affects the Brain
Users of heroin smoke, snort or inject the drug. When heroin enters their brain, it’s converted back into morphine. The morphine attaches to opioid receptor cells located throughout the brain, blocking the perception of pain or reward.
An overdose on heroin can cause breathing to slow or even stop. Slowed breathing affects how much oxygen feeds the brain and can cause major health issues, such as coma and irreversible brain damage. With long term use, heroin can cause deterioration of white matter in the brain. This affects decision making, behavior regulation and stress response.
With continued use of heroin, the patient becomes tolerant of the drug and its effects. This means that users must increase their dose in order to feel the same desired effects. When dependence sets in, these users can’t stop taking the drug without experiencing highly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale Treats Opioid Addiction
For lasting recovery from opioid addiction, patients need to undergo comprehensive treatment that includes an array of evidence-based therapies and dual diagnosis care. In Scottsdale, Arizona, Pinnacle Peak Recovery provides this treatment for patients through the following types of programs:
- Primary care
- Extended care
- Transitional living
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Inpatient
- PHP
- Intensive outpatient
- Sober living
At Pinnacle Peak Recovery, we design our programs for recovery from alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine and opioids like heroin. If you or someone you love are ready to overcome addiction to heroin, Pinnacle Peak Recovery can provide the care you need.
Through a quality program, heroin recovery is possible. Call Pinnacle Peak Recovery now at 866-377-4761 for more information about available programs and to verify your health insurance.
