Skip Navigation

Synthetic opioids are medications that chemists manufacture in a lab setting. Examples include fentanyl and methadone. However, how do these drugs compare to other painkillers? More importantly, how do you overcome an addiction?

Opiates, Semi-Synthetic, and Synthetic Opioidssynthetic opioids

If it comes straight from the opium poppy, it’s an opiate. In fact, morphine and codeine are two examples. In a lab setting, it’s possible to create a hybrid product, which is semi-synthetic. Cases in point are oxycodone and hydrocodone.

Completely synthetic opioids come straight from the lab. Meperidine and carfentanil fall under this classification. Furthermore, all types of opioids change the way the body experiences and deals with pain. In the same vein, these products all have a strong addiction potential.

What Makes Synthetic Opioids More Dangerous?

Lab testing has resulted in stronger potencies. Fentanyl, for example, is far more potent than morphine. Carfentanil, a tranquilizer used for elephants, is stronger still. In spite of these potencies, the synthetic opioids have found their ways into the drug supply.

In its media tip sheet, the Drug Policy Alliance points to a 73-percent increase in overdose deaths involving synthetics.

How an Addiction Develops

A painkiller addiction usually starts by accident. People don’t start taking the pills with the intention of developing a dependency. For example, most people receive prescriptions after surgery or due to pain recovery.

The painkillers originally alleviate your pain. However, there’s the sensation of euphoria that takes over when someone takes more than necessary.

Granted, this euphoria is only short-lived. In the process, your body builds up a tolerance to the ingredients.

Overcome Drug Abuse

Addiction is a disease of the brain. Furthermore, it requires medical and clinical intervention. However, treatment starts with detoxification. With the help of medical specialists, you gradually wean off the drug.

Doing so will take a few days. Usually, you can break your physical dependence in three to five days. However, for some synthetic opioids, it may take longer. You’ll work with a medical expert to withdraw pain-free and in safety.

Next, it’s time to start rehab. Undoing the dysfunctional pattern of reaching for painkillers to deal with emotional problems takes time. For example, therapists customize a treatment regimen that might include:

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

Addiction won’t go away by itself. In addition, overdose is a major concern for prolonged use. However, you can overcome these challenges now. Find your way out of addiction with the help of therapists at Ashley Addiction Treatment. Call 866-313-6310 today to connect with a specialist.