When it comes to substance abuse, the terms opiate and opioid appear quite frequently. In medical science, both these terms have the same significance for they impact the brain tissues and nervous system in the same manner. But both of these have some considerable difference between them. Opiates are natural drugs extracted from the poppy plant. These contain morphine and opium. The other one is a type of synthetic drug, which includes medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone, etc. In general, an opioid can refer to both natural and synthetic drugs.
Opiates are mostly pain killers. The extended use of the drug can, however, lead to opiate addiction and misuse. Oxycodone and Dilaudid are some of the standard prescription opioid medicines. Heroin is its most common illicit form. In the US, opiate addiction is predominant. In 2017, nearly 47,600 deaths took place due to the overdose of illegal and prescription opioids.
Why are opiates addictive?
After consumption, the opiate drug travels to the brain of the person via blood circulation, causing a flood of different types of happy chemicals. When these chemicals release, the person experiences a sense of pleasure, reward, and gratification. He becomes euphoric and feels an urge to consume the drug again. Eventually, he develops a habit for this not just to alleviate the pain but to get high. Hence, these substances have become a cause of concern.
What is more alarming is the fact that some people don’t realize when they become addicted to opiates. They use prescription medicine to overcome the pain caused by surgery or accident. But by the time they are ready to leave, the drug already has controlled their brain and made them dependent on it.
People who become addicted to opiate eventually start abusing heroin for its easy availability and low price. The surveys also demonstrate that about 80% of the people who use heroin today have had an opiate addiction. The long-term use of opioids curbs the natural ability of the person to enjoy things like sex, food, chocolate, leisurely beach walks, etc.
Since there is a stigma attached to opiate addiction, people don’t go for treatment for fear of being found. But don’t repeat the mistakes that others do. Your health is in your hand. You can go to the best drug rehab in your knowledge for assistance and guidance.
Treatment at a holistic drug rehab center
There are recognized rehabilitation centers that take a holistic approach to treat opiate addiction. They employ a combination of techniques to help you restore your life. These can include – meditation, massage, consultancy, yoga, plant medicines, specific vitamin drips, fitness classes, and much more. They focus on providing full recovery and reducing the chances of relapse.
However, when selecting a rehab center, make sure you choose the most reliable one only. Also, if it doesn’t treat your mental and psychological health, you may not benefit much. Healing of the brain is vital because the overdose of opiates tends to affect its wiring. Hence, don’t shy away from taking help and before you go anywhere, do some research on it in advance.
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