Opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others. All opioids are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. Opioid pain relievers can be safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused. Regular use—even as prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can lead to addiction, overdose incidents, and deaths.
Heroin
Heroin is a substance that is both illegal and extremely addictive. The substance derives from opium from the poppy plant before it is refined to morphine, then further chemically modified to become heroin. Despite its deserved negative reputation for its high risks, heroin continues to be a commonly abused drug in the US. Heroin is sold and used in a number of forms including white or brown powder, a black sticky substance (tar heroin), and solid black chunks. These different forms of heroin can be smoked, snorted, or injected under the skin, into muscle, or directly into the veins.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is extremely dangerous if misused, and is sometimes added to illicit drugs sold by drug dealers. It is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II prescription drug, and in its prescription form is known by such names as Actiq®, Duragesic®, and Sublimaze®.
Prescription Opioids
Prescription opioid pain medicines such as OxyContin® and Vicodin® have effects similar to heroin. Research suggests that misuse of these drugs may open the door to heroin use. Data from 2011 showed that an estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids switch to heroin and about 80 percent of people who used heroin first misused prescription opioids. More recent data suggest that heroin is frequently the first opioid people use. In a study of those entering treatment for opioid use disorder, approximately one-third reported heroin as the first opioid they used regularly to get high.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines prescription medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies. These services take a whole-person approach to treating substance use disorder (SUD). MAT medications include methadone, buprenorphine, and injectable naltrexone. These medications block the euphoric effects of opioids, relieve cravings, and help normalize bodily functions.
Methadone
Methadone changes the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain so that you feel relief. Its effects are slower than those of other strong painkillers like morphine. Your doctor may prescribe methadone if you’re in a lot of pain from an injury, surgery, or long-term illness. It also blocks the high from drugs like codeine, heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone. It can give a similar feeling and keep you from having withdrawal symptoms and cravings. You may hear this called replacement therapy. It’s usually just one part of your treatment plan. It isn’t a cure for addiction.
Suboxone
Buprenorphine is what’s known as a partial opioid agonist—an opioid medication that produces relatively weak opioid effects. This means that buprenorphine reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the full effect of other opioids.
With high binding affinity, it may also block other opioids from binding to and activating your opioid receptors, which can deter misuse of other opioids. Buprenorphine also has an upper limit to its opioid effects, even with escalating doses. The risk of abuse and overdose due to misuse is lower than with other opioids because there is a limit as to how much your opioid receptors can be activated.
Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist medication that is combined with buprenorphine in Suboxone and similar generic combination formulations. Though naloxone is used on its own to reverse the deadly effects of opioid overdose, it is instead included in this combo to help discourage intentional misuse of buprenorphine should it be dissolved and injected or inhaled nasally—doing so would result in the rapid onset of withdrawal in opioid dependent individuals.
Below are links for even more info:
NIH - National Institute on Drug Abuse (Advancing Addiction Science)
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Opioid Basics
SAMHSA - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration - National Helpline
Talk to Frank - honest information about drugs
American Addiction Centers - very in-depth information plus info on some rehab centers
DrugRehab.org - Find Treatment by State
Groups Recover Together - trust,
not blame -
science,
not willpower
Nar-Anon Family Groups
A - 12-Step Program for Family & Friends of Addicts
***NOTE - The websites above that list treatment centers are NOT all inclusive to your area. You can also just search "addiction treatment centers your county and state" and have very good luck. Usually they will also have reviews.