by Deanna Rogers

Created on: May 10, 2009   Last Updated: May 25, 2009

Opioids are drugs that possess some characteristics of opiate narcotics, but it is not derived from opium. They are synthetic (man-made) narcotics that resemble natural opiates like morphine and codeine. They are an analgesic that works by binding with opioid receptors. These receptors are found mostly in the central nervous system (the spinal cord and the brain), and the gastrointestinal tract. Opioid drugs cause euphoria by affecting the brain regions that control what we perceive as pleasure.Taken as directed, opioids are extremely effective in eliminated pain.

When an opiod is ingested, it will attach to the opiate receptors found throughout your body. When it connects with these receptors, it will block pain messages from the brain which then provides the pain relief. When ingested, opioids can produce drowsiness, cause constipation, and, depending upon the amount of drug taken, depress respiration.

Long-term use of opioids can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Opioids have become very popular abused prescription drugs. Chronic use of opioids can result in tolerance for these drugs, which means that users must take higher doses to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal symptoms from opioids include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps ("cold turkey"), and involuntary leg movements. Taking a large single dose of an opioid could cause severe respiratory depression that can lead to death.

The body's addiction to opioids is one of the hardest addictions to break. Through treatment that is tailored to individual needs, addicts can learn to control their condition and live normal, productive lives. Those in treatment for drug addiction, like people with diabetes or heart disease, learn behavioral changes and often take medications as part of their recovery program. Medications such as suboxone or methadone regiments are used with some success. However, these protocols are long term and are not guaranteed. Abstinence is the best defense to rid the body of the opioid cravings, along with the membership in a twelve step program and/or behavior counseling.

Here is a list of opioid based drugs: Actiq , Avinza, Buprenex, Buprenorphine, Codeine, Darvocet, Darvon , Demerol, Dilaudid , Duragesic Patch , Fentanyl, Fiorinal, Herion, Hydrocodone , Hydromorphone, Kadian, LAAM, Levorphanol , Lorcet , Lortab , Meperidine, Methadone, Methadose, Morphine, Morphine Sulfate, MS Contin, Norco, Nubain, Numorpitan, Opana, Opium, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Percodan, Percocet, Propoxyphene, Roxicodone, Roxicent, Suboxon, subeubutex, Tramadol, Tylenol 3, Tylenol 4, Tylox, Ultram, Vicodin.

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