Opioids/Opiates
Opioids include Codeine, Fentanyl (Duragesic, Fentora), Hydrocodone (Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Vicodin)...
...Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Meperidine (Demerol), Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), Morphine (MS Contin), Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet, Roxicet), Tramadol (Ultram), Buprenorphine/ Naloxone (Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv), Heroin (dope, smack, H, snow), Poppy Seeds and Kratom (Ketum), etc.
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin. They also include synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and prescription pain relievers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Opiates are substances with active ingredients that are naturally derived from opium. Opiates include morphine and codeine, which are both directly made from the opium found in poppy plants.
All opiates are opioids. Opioids are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused (taken in a different way or in a larger quantity than prescribed, or taken without a doctor’s prescription). Regular use—even as prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can lead to addiction, overdose incidents, and deaths.
For more information on the treatment of opioid and opiate addiction, preview our Medication-Assisted Treatment methodology.
In response to the nation’s opioid addiction epidemic, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) protocols have been developed to serve as an adjunct to evidence-based addiction treatment. Our MAT program is also available for other drug or alcohol addictions. Sanford’s MAT always incorporates group and individual therapy, 12-step methodology, whole-body wellness and the vital role of the family in its approach to treatment. MAT helps clients get through the discomfort of opioid withdrawal and it also helps to reduce drug and alcohol cravings.
Addiction is a chronic brain disease. A client who takes medication under the advice of Sanford medical staff is like any other patient who utilizes medication to treat a disease. Recovery from addiction is a process and proper medications give those clients in MAT, the time to work on recovery without unnecessary discomfort.
Sanford Addiction Treatment Center’s Medication-Assisted Treatment Program (MAT) combines psychosocial/behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy to treat alcohol and/or opioid use disorders. At Sanford, our clinical team uses evidence-based practices in therapy, and our clinicians work alongside our medical team. Both clinical and medical teams specialize in addiction treatment.
Opioid/Opiate Addiction Resources
We've chosen articles from Excursions and outside resources to provide more information about the effects of opioids/opiates.
Breakthrough in Methamphetamine Treatment
The New England Journal of Medicine (January 2021) has published the results of a successful clinical trial, using two approved medications for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder. There is currently no approved medication to treat addiction to methamphetamines.
Read MoreEscalating Overdose Deaths 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released their provisional drug overdose death counts for 2020. Based on mortality data, 93,000 people in the US died from drug overdoses in 2020. This represents an increase of 29% over 2019. WZZM interview of Dr. Masterson.
Read MoreSynthetic Opioids Overdose Increase
The CDC is calling for increased awareness and expansion of “prevention and response activities”. Overdose deaths were driven by synthetic opioids, most likely illegally manufactured fentanyl.
Read MoreDon't Wait to Change Your Life—Get in Touch Today
Call us at 616.202.3326 or fill out the form below