Abingdon, VA – ReVIDA® Recovery is a local opioid use disorder (OUD) rehab that recently released an article detailing the dangers associated with different opioids. ReVIDA® treats OUD at their outpatient facilities throughout Appalachia.

All opioids are derived from opium found in the poppy plant. Although there are medicinal uses for opium, a lot of opioids in the U.S. have been altered for the illicit substance market. Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which blocks pain. It also causes relaxation and pleasure. There are three types of opioids: natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic.

Natural opioids, or opiates, are chemicals derived directly from the opium poppy. These include morphine, codeine, and opium. Both morphine and codeine have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used as medication. The FDA regulates how these medications can be prescribed and in what doses.

Semi-synthetic opioids use scientific processing to increase the potency of the opioids found in poppy plants. These opioids include prescription medications like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. Heroin, an illicit opioid, is also semi-synthetic.

The most common synthetic opioid is fentanyl and its analogs, like acryl fentanyl and U-47700. Fentanyl has been so heavily synthesized that it no longer contains traces of the poppy plant. There are limited prescription uses for certain types of fentanyl. However, most fentanyl sold on the street is produced illegally and without guidelines. Fentanyl is anywhere from 50 to 100 times more powerful than traditional morphine, making the chance of an overdose very high.

“It does not matter if the opioid is natural or fully synthetic, any opioid taken in excess poses the risk of causing a life-threatening overdose. When too much of an opioid enters the body, breathing slows to a stop. This causes oxygen to no longer enter the body, starving vital organs of the much-needed gas. If breathing is not restored, these organs will begin withstanding damage that can be permanent. Giving Narcan® can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and it may take more than one dose depending on the potency of the opioid,” the article states.

Overdose is not the only danger associated with opioids. The body can become physically dependent on any kind of opioid. Once someone develops an opioid dependence, they will experience withdrawal symptoms when opioids aren’t in their system. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal include yawning, runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, muscle tension, and stomach cramps. Although withdrawals aren’t usually dangerous, they are uncomfortable. Withdrawal also leads to intense cravings for more opioids.

There are further differences between opioids and the dangers they pose.

“Despite being the same class of substance, opioids do share key variations. Potency is one of the largest differences between each type of opioid. As we mentioned above, fentanyl is a highly potent opioid, especially compared to opioids that were made through government-regulated labs. Heroin can also vary in potency, as it is not always made the same each time.

Another part of potency is the method of ingestion. Most prescription opioids are taken by mouth via a pill or through an IV monitored by medical staff. Swallowing a pill can delay the effects of the medication, especially if the person has eaten a meal. IV delivery is the fastest way to feel the effects of opioids.

Morphine, heroin, and fentanyl are often taken via injection, though pills such as oxycodone and hydrocodone can be crushed, dissolved in water, and taken through injection. Heroin and fentanyl can be swallowed like pills though this method is uncommon as it takes longer to feel the effects. Illicit opioid use involves whichever method the person feels will deliver the effects the fastest, while opioids administered in a medical environment follow regulations,” the article concludes.

ReVIDA® Recovery has years of experience treating opioid use disorder in Virginia and Tennessee. Their program includes outpatient therapy sessions utilized alongside medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone and Sublocade. They have seen firsthand the success MAT has in treating this life-threatening disorder. To learn more about ReVIDA® Recovery, call 423-631-0432 or visit their website.

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