The terms opiates and opioids are often used interchangeably, and many people seem to think that they are the same type of drug. There are many similarities, making it easy to understand why the two terms are often used together. There are distinct differences between opiates and opioids, leading some people to wonder what they should expect at an opiate addiction treatment center. Making the distinction between these two types of drugs will likely lead to a better understanding of these substances and what to expect in treatment for opiate addiction.
At Atlanta Detox Center, our opiate addiction treatment program has given many people hope for genuine, long-lasting recovery. If you are battling an opiate addiction, our comprehensive care may be exactly what you need to start your road to recovery.
What Are Opiates?
Opiates include drugs such as morphine, codeine, opium, and any drug that is naturally derived from the opium plant. Methadone is considered an opiate antagonist. These drugs can be extracted or refined from natural poppy plant matter, including from the plant fibers and sap.
Opiates have been used for centuries and were once considered a safe and effective way to relieve pain. Today, however, millions of individuals in the U.S. and around the world may have an addiction to opiates. Opiates account for many thousands of trips to the emergency department and account for thousands of deaths in the U.S. every year.
Opiates are typically prescribed for serious medical conditions such as cancer or other chronic conditions, and after surgery, for short-term use as the individual recuperates after the surgery. Many people, however, become addicted to opiates and seek them out however they can get them. This is a fact that is similar to opioid addiction.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are very similar to opiates. Opioids are a class of drugs that are often prescribed for pain relief. This class of drugs also includes some drugs that are frequently abused, such as heroin and fentanyl. They present a risk for addiction and for serious complications, including overdose and death.
Opioids are synthetic substances. This means that they are created in a lab, although a few opioid molecules are potentially partially synthesized from opium. Some examples of opioids, in addition to heroin and fentanyl, include:
- Hydrocone or Vicodin
- Dextromethorphan
- Oxycodone or oxycontin
- Meperidine or Demerol
- Methadone
Both opiates and opioids are considered to be narcotics. The high rates of addiction to these drugs, along with the increase in the number of overdoses and deaths related to addiction to opiates and opioids, have recently led to stricter controls and fewer prescriptions being written for drugs such as opiates.
What to Expect in an Opiate Addiction Treatment Center
Individuals with opiate addiction issues often take more of the drug than prescribed, get it from someone on the street, and continue taking it despite the many consequences. Treatment for opiate addiction begins with detox. At Atlanta Detox Center, our professional staff has the experience of guiding clients through opiate withdrawal as they prepare to enter an opiate addiction treatment center.
Once opiate detox is complete, the treatment process begins with an individualized opiate addiction treatment program plan and engagement in addiction treatment therapies.
The therapist will determine the components of the treatment program. One example is that an individual may have a treatment plan that includes cognitive-behavioral therapy along with group therapy. Another individual may participate in individual therapy and family therapy. Realizing that addiction to opiates affects the entire family is likely to be important to recovery for many people.
Contact Atlanta Detox Center to Start Your Path to a New Future
Atlanta Detox Center team members understand that admitting that you need help for your opiate addiction is not an easy task. It is commendable that you are reaching out to start your path to a new future.
We are here to help you get started with your detox and to help you with treatment. Contact us at 470.450.2355 to learn more about detox and treatment today.
