What Drugs are Considered Opioids?
Opioids are often prescribed as painkillers by health professionals to relieve pain but can also be purchased on the street. They not only treat chronic pain, but also can produce a “high” and feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
There are several drugs that are considered opioids, including:
- Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (Vicodin, Norco, Lorcet, Zamicet, Verdrocet, Lortab, Anexsia, Co-Gesic, Hycet, Liquicet, Maxidone, Xodol 10/300, Zolvit, and Zydone)
- Hydrocodone Bitartrate (Sysingla and Zohydro ER)
- Hydrocodone-Homatropine (Hydrocan and Hydromet)
- Hydrocodone-Ibuprofin (Ibudone, Xylon 10, Reprexain, and Vicoprofen)
- Pseudoephedrine-Hydrocodone (Rezira)
- Hydrocodone-Clorpheniramine (Vituz)
- Hydrocodone-Cpm-Pseudoephed (Zutripo)
- Morphine (Duramorph, Infumorph P/F, MS Contin, Oramorph SR, Avinza, Arymo ER, Kadian, Morphabond, and Roxanol-T)
- Morphine-Naltrexone (Embeda)
- Morphine Sulfate (Morphabond)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo, and Palladone)
- Fentanyl Cirtrate (Actiq, Fentora, Abstral, Lazanda, Onsolis, and Sublimaze)
- Fentanyl (Duragesic and Subsys)
- Codeine Poli-Chlorphenir Poli (Tuzistra XR)
- Acetaminophin-Codeine
- Methadone (Dolophine and Methadose)
- Oxymorphone Hydrochloride (Opana)
- Meperidine (Demorol)
- Tramadol
- Carfentanil
- Buprenorphine (Subatex, Buprenex, Butrans, and Probuphine)
- Heroin
How Does Opioid Addiction Develop?
Opioid dependence and addiction are brain diseases caused by chemical changes to the brain. When you use opioid drugs, even if you begin taking them because they are prescribed to you for pain relief, your brain will begin to alter its opioid receptors and dopamine levels. As the brain adapts to having opioids in your system it begins to become dependent on them just to function normally. This is known as “dependence”.
Substance abuse or simply taking opioid medications for a long period of time can result in being unable to stop using these drugs without experiencing mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. This results in compulsive drug use and being unable to stop even if you want to. Opioid use disorder (opioid addiction) is what it is called when you experience symptoms like:
- Being unable to get through the day without using opioids
- Feeling obsessed with the drugs and experiencing drug cravings
- Having withdrawal symptoms when you try to cut back or quit
Another sign of addiction is if you continue to use opioid drugs even when they cause real problems with your health, finances, relationships, and work.
Opioid abuse is also dangerous due to the high risk of opioid overdose, especially when fentanyl is involved. These drugs slow down heart rate and breathing, and if you take more than your body can handle you may lose consciousness and stop breathing, resulting in brain damage, coma, and even death.
Treatment For Opioid Addiction
If you believe you or a loved one has an opioid addiction, a full, long-term opioid detox and drug rehabilitation program is the best way to safely quit in an effective way. Opioid drugs sometimes require a longer stay in inpatient rehab and outpatient care because of recurring withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings that can return weeks or even months after rehab is over. Substance abuse and mental health are also often connected, and you may require longer-term psychological treatments along with the treatments for drug abuse and physical dependence.
Drug Detox For Opioids
A medication assisted drug detox is the best way to detox from opioids, as the withdrawal symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, severe drug cravings, flu-like symptoms, pain, and muscle aches.
It takes a slow taper, using prescription medications like methadone and buprenorphine given by a dedicated care team to ease off these drugs without suffering. In a medical detox you will receive 24-hour medical care, integrated with therapy, counseling, and prescription medication administration, so you can rest and heal without the pain, drug cravings, and restlessness that comes with opioid detox.
Opioid Rehab and Detox at Serenity Oaks
At Serenity Oaks wellness center, our team is licensed for the treatment of opioid abuse, and we can help you with your drug addiction as you rebuild your body’s strength and heal your spirit, taking back control over your life.
Some of the treatments we provide to treat drug dependence include:
- Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, multidimensional family therapy, motivational interviewing and motivational incentives
- Life skills programs teaching skills like resume building, budgeting, time management, and personal grooming
- Holistic treatments like nutrition classes, recreation, yoga, meditation and acupuncture
- Evidence-based therapies
- Peer support groups including 12 step programs like alcoholics anonymous, narcotics anonymous and SMART recovery groups
We provide all levels of care, and your customized treatment plan may include:
- A medication assisted treatment (MAT) plan for medical detox to help with the symptoms of withdrawal
- 30 to 90 days in inpatient rehab (residential rehab)
- 30 to 90 days in various outpatient rehab programs including a partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program
- Aftercare and membership to our Thrive alumni group
Contact the Serenity Oaks alcohol and drug rehab center now if you want to learn more about the types of rehabs we offer for heroin addiction, oxycontin addiction, prescription drug abuse, and the abuse and addiction to other opioid drugs. We can help you stop using opioids and live a healthy life in long-term recovery.
