Opioids are synthetic drugs that include, fentanyl, methadone, suboxone, prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, Percocet, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, Demerol, Dilaudid, and the street drug known as heroin.  In addition to synthetic drugs, opioids also include opiates, which are drugs derived from the natural alkaloids found in the resin of opium poppies. Sem-synthetics that include, heroin, oxycodone, and buprenorphine are also referred to as opioids.

Opioid Addiction and Withdrawal

Opioid addiction is the compulsion to abuse the substances in the opioid class, despite it negatively bringing consequences in their daily lives.  Opioid addiction affects the brain’s reward system.  Repetitive use causes the brain to develop a dependence on opioids, and repeated use leads to addiction by the drug’s euphoric effect is repeated to the point in which the individuals brain perceives the drug as necessary to their survival.  The addict will feel like they are dying without the opioids.  Opioid dependence develops when a brains neuron adapts to fluxes because of repeated exposer to the drug and no longer function normally until the drug is present.  When the drug is no longer present and abruptly removed, many physiological affects occur. This state is known as “withdrawal”.