If you have been prescribed pain medication, then it may be an opiate or opioid medication. The difference between the two is subtle, and often doctors use the terms synonymously. Yet, there are some important differences. Let’s take a look at the definition of opiate.
What is the Opiates Definition?
We define opiates as a narcotic drug derived from the flowering opium poppy plant. In its original state, opiates are from a natural source. But opioids sometimes include drugs mixed with man-made chemicals. However, just because opiates come from the opium poppy plant, it doesn’t make them any less dangerous. Some examples of opiates include substances, such as heroin, morphine, and codeine. Opioids are sometimes used as part of the opiates’ definition because all opiates are opioids. However, not all opioids are opiates. The most important thing to remember is opiates refer to natural substances derived from the plant, whereas opioids may or may not—some opioids are completely man-made.
What are the Effects of Opiates?
The effects of opiates are similar to that of opioids. When looking at the opiates’ definition, you will notice one component of that definition is that it binds to the opioid receptors of the brain. Therefore, the effects relate directly to the brain and the central nervous system. The opiates send a reward to the brain by enhancing euphoric feeling when you do the drugs. By receiving a reward, the brain learns to keep doing the drug repeatedly. In time, you become tolerant of the effects, and later you find yourself dependent on the opiates. Dependence and addiction go together. Once addicted, the withdrawal will occur if you should attempt to quit taking the drug.
Keep Your Promises in the New Year
At Promises Treatment Center, we help you keep your promises. It does not just promise others that matter as much as promises you make to yourself that counts most. By working together, we can help you keep your promises, find recovery, and feel good about yourself in the process. Meet our compassionate staff when you walk through the doors of Promises Treatment Center and discover the caring new lifestyle you’re about to enter. Our mission is to guide people to become healthy and sober and to be able to walk on their own. We offer a robust aftercare rehab program for those that need the extra connection and support after they finish detox. Designed to meet a variety of needs, our well-rounded programs help you understand the different layers of substance abuse, including opiates definition. Therefore, we offer several therapy units. Some of these include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Individual psychotherapy counseling
- Motivational interviewing therapy
- Nutritional therapy treatment
Don’t let addiction hinder your peace of mind. You can overcome the drug problems that are holding you back. The future is yours. Now that you know the opiates’ definition, seek treatment at a healing rehab center. Contact us today at 844.875.5609, and we’ll get you started on the journey to a better life.