People often use the terms opiates and opioids interchangeably. However, these two terms mean something different. While opiate and opioid both refer to a derivative of the poppy plant, they’re not quite the same. Below is some information that you should know about opioids vs opiates.
Know the Difference – Opioids vs Opiates
Both opioids and opiates come from opium. However, opiates occur naturally within the opium poppy plant. Natural opiate drugs include morphine, heroin, opium, and codeine. Most individuals associate opiates with their pain-relieving properties.
Opioids, however, are synthetic drugs that scientists create in a lab. While not naturally occurring, opioids still have an opiate-like effect on the body. Some examples of opioids include
- Percodan
- Oxycodone
- Demerol
- Percocet
- Methadone
Unlike opiates, scientists have the ability to control the strength of opioids. This means that opioids can be more addictive than opiates. It simply depends on the strength of the opioid drug.
The Impact of Opioids on the Body
In the medical community, an opioid is any drug that binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for doctors to use the term “opioid” for both opioids and opiates.
Opioids and opiates depress the central nervous system. Both of these drugs interfere with the signals that nerves send throughout the body. The biggest difference is that since opioids are man-made, they work on specific cell receptors. Each releases different endorphins, which changes the type of high that the users experience.
For example, some opioids create a stronger sedation effect. Others might focus primarily on pain relief. The specific cell receptors that these drugs target determine the outcome because they release certain types of endorphins.
Get Heroin and Opiates Rehab at Pinnacle Peak Recovery
Understanding the difference between opioids vs opiates is just the first step. When you undergo opiate detox, you have only taken the first step to recovery. To stay clean, you need support and guidance. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery, we can provide that guidance and show you the path to a healthier lifestyle.
We’re proud to be accredited and to offer our clients dual diagnosis treatment programs. Some of the other programs that we offer at Pinnacle Peak Recovery include:
- Transitional living
- Family therapy
- Extended care
- Outpatient
- Sober living
- Primary care
- Group therapy
Our rehab center is in a partnership with a local detox facility. After completing your detox off-site, we can start to figure out what triggers your drug abuse. By successfully addressing these triggers during heroin and opiates rehab, you can learn more about what caused your addiction in the first place and how you can fight it now.
Reach out to Pinnacle Peak Recovery today. Don’t let opiate addiction control your life any longer. Call us at 866-377-4761 for more information about the programs that we offer.