People use the terms interchangeably. However, chemically, there’s a difference when talking about opiates vs opioids. What are these drugs? How do they affect you?
Opiates vs Opioids
Natural derivatives from the poppy plant are opiates. They include opium, codeine, and morphine. They’re narcotics that have pain-reducing properties. In contrast, opioids are manmade narcotics. They might be wholly or partially synthetic. Examples include fentanyl, OxyContin, and Vicodin. It’s interesting to note that heroin is also an opioid because it’s not a completely natural poppy derivative.
Which is More Addictive?
At any good-quality opiate addiction treatment center, therapists will tell you that there’s little difference. The opioids vs opiates discussion doesn’t amount to much when the drug has hooked you. Withdrawal symptoms are the same. Similarly, overdose symptoms are alike, too. That said, what factors in the most in the opiates vs opioids debate is a false sense of security. Some users believe – falsely – that opiates are safer because they’re natural. That’s not the case. These substances will easily kill you. Besides that, they’re also addictive. Even codeine, which you frequently find in prescription cough syrup, can cause dependency. In fact, it’s the popular ingredient in drugs such as lean or purple drank. Others believe that opioids were safe because their doctors prescribed them. They didn’t realize that they could develop an addiction even if they took the medications the way the prescription read. Now, they struggle with withdrawal symptoms because they don’t need the drugs any longer. Adding insult to injury, they learn that pushers adulterate heroin with pain killers to stretch profits.
Dealing with Addiction
The opiates vs opioids debate is academic when you struggle with addiction. It doesn’t matter how you got there. What matters now is that you have the assistance you need to quit using. At a good-quality rehab facility, you get help from qualified therapists. They understand that good people don’t stand a chance against these drugs. Moreover, they know the evidence-based treatments that offer the highest opportunity for recovery. Examples include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy for overwhelmingly intense emotions that make rational thought almost impossible
- Addiction education that answers your opioids vs opiates questions
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety
- Trauma treatment, which gives you a second chance at processing a situation from the past
- Psychodrama, which helps you gain an appreciation for others’ points of view and feelings
- Family therapy as a tool for developing your support network from among friends and loved ones
Therapists also rely on holistic treatments such as mindfulness therapy. You learn to relax your mind, body, and spirit. At the same time, you explore situations that present themselves. However, you don’t react automatically, which assists with an overall decrease in anxiety.
Enlisting the Assistance of Therapists Today
Don’t let the discussions surrounding opiates vs opioids sidetrack you. If you developed a chemical dependency, it’s time to quit using it because you need help, Promises therapists are here. Dial 844.875.5609 today to schedule an appointment.