Many people are confused when it comes to opiates vs. opioids. While both drugs are highly addictive and can have life-altering effects, they each have distinct characteristics that make them different. But what are opiates, and what are opioids, exactly? Call 844.540.0357 to speak with someone from Painted Desert Recovery’s knowledgeable and compassionate staff about opioids vs. opiates and our opiate addiction treatment center in New Harmony, Utah.
Opiates vs. Opioids: What’s the Difference?
While opiates are natural, opioids are man-made. Both opiates and opioids create feelings of euphoria when taken in high doses, but opiates have a much more powerful effect due to their chemical composition.
What Are Opiates?
Opiates are a type of drug that is derived from the opium poppy plant. Opiates have a long and complicated history. The use of opiates dates back to the ancient Sumerian culture, which existed around 4500 BC in Mesopotamia. They used opiates for medicinal and religious purposes, such as pain relief after surgery or childbirth. By 1500 BC, opiate-based medicines were being prescribed by doctors in Egypt and Greece. In the 19th century, opium was widely available in many countries throughout Europe and Asia, leading to widespread addiction issues that still exist today. Opium also played an essential role during World War I when soldiers were given opiate-based medications to help them cope with the horrors of battle. Today, opiates continue to be abused worldwide despite their highly addictive nature and potential for causing serious harm.
Commonly known as narcotics, opiates include the following:
- Codeine
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
These drugs are typically used to treat pain or induce sleep but can also be abused for recreational purposes. Opiate addiction is a severe problem in many parts of the world, including Utah, where Painted Desert Recovery specializes in treating opioid addiction in women.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a synthetic form of opiate that is created in a laboratory setting. Some common examples of opioids include the following:
- Fentanyl
- Hydromorphone
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
While doctors may prescribe some opioids to treat chronic pain or other medical conditions, these drugs are highly addictive and should be taken only under strict medical supervision. For example, methadone, an opioid commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opiate addiction, carries grave risks when taken in large doses or misused.
The risk of overdose among those who misuse these drugs is high due to their potency and potential for abuse. As such, treatment providers like Painted Desert Recovery often provide specialized care designed explicitly for opioid addiction recovery in Utah.
What to Expect from Opiate Addiction Treatment in Utah
Opiate addiction is a severe problem in Utah, with opiates and opioids being abused for recreational purposes at an alarming rate. Without proper treatment, opiate addiction can lead to devastating consequences such as overdose, homelessness, mental health issues, and even death. That’s why opiate addiction treatment in Utah is necessary. It provides individuals struggling with opiate abuse the opportunity to receive professional help from experienced professionals specializing in opiate addiction recovery. Typical components of opiate addiction treatment programs include the following:
- Aftercare planning
- Counseling
- Detoxification and medical monitoring
- Group support
- Medication management
- Psychotherapy
At Painted Desert Recovery, we understand that each person’s journey toward recovery is unique, and we provide individualized care tailored to meet each client’s needs. Our opiate addiction treatment program offers evidence-based therapies designed to address both physical and psychological aspects of this particular substance use disorder and provide support during every step of the recovery process.
Find Opiate Addiction Treatment in Utah at Painted Desert Recovery
While it’s crucial to learn about opioids vs. opiates, there should be no hesitation in seeking help to overcome opioid or opiate abuse and addiction. Contact Painted Desert Recovery today at 844.540.0357 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and services for women in Utah.
