Opioid Addiction

Opioids are a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy. They are primarily used as analgesics (pain relief). Along with the pain relief, most opiates give a feeling of euphoria and a degree of sedation. These side effects are what make them popular as drugs of abuse.

Other effects are cough suppression and constipation - opioid addicts usually find drugs to treat these ailments as well.

Along with drugs derived directly from the opium poppy, the term opioid has come to refer to other, synthetic pain medications that act on the same receptors in the body and cause many of the same effects. While not strictly accurate, synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs will sometimes be referred to as opiates. They are more properly called narcotics, from the root narko, meaning sleep, numbness, or stupor.

True Opiates

Morphine, Codeine

Semi-synthetics

Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Oxycodone (Percocet), Heroin

True Synthetics

Fentanyl, Methadone

Related Articles

• Common Opioids
• Opioid Addiction Treatment
• Medical Treatment for Opioid Addiction
• Opioid Symptoms
• Opioid Withdrawal
• Hydrocodone Addiction
• Prescription Drug Addiction
• Percocet Addiction
• Hydrocodone vs Vicodin

photo by Martin Henkelmann