Most of the time, people use the term opioid or opiate when talking about all forms of opioid pain medication, heroin, and other illicit opioids. There are some key differences between an opioid vs. opiate. Opiates are natural, while opioids are synthetic and are found in most prescription opioid pain medications. Both are very addicting when abused and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms with intense physical withdrawals and cravings that can lead to an overdose and death due to a relapse.
At Swift River, our behavioral therapists and medical staff work together to form a tailored treatment plan based on each patient’s unique symptoms and background. We treat men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with opioid addiction from pain medication or other opioids. Continue reading for more information about the differences between opioid vs. opiate, then call 413.570.9698 to speak with our team if you are struggling with opioid addiction and want to enroll in our addiction treatment center.
Understanding the Difference Between Opioid vs. Opiate
Understanding the differences between opioid vs. opiate pain medication is essential if you are currently taking opioids for pain after a car accident, sports injury, or major surgery. When taking pain medication, follow the prescription precisely and talk to your doctor about your pain levels. Toward the end of treatment, they will begin weening you off the pain medication by reducing the amounts you take over several weeks.
Here are some of the key differences between opioid vs. opiate:
- Opiates are made from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. They are made from the chemical compounds extracted from the plant to make morphine, opium, codeine, and heroin.
- Opioids are synthetic drugs that are made in a lab and not from any natural plant, except for name-brand opioid pain medications Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet, which are made with a mix of natural and synthetic compounds.
At Swift River, we treat men and women who are struggling with painkiller addiction using evidence-backed behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment to minimize withdrawals and cravings.
Finding Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction
The safest way to get through prescription drug abuse is through an accredited treatment facility that has experience treating addiction to opioid pain medication, heroin, or other substances. When searching for treatment for prescription drug addiction, look for the following treatment options:
- Behavioral therapy – Look for a treatment center that offers a full range of therapy options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and others. Most treatment centers today provide various forms of behavioral and holistic therapies.
- Medication-assisted treatment – Medication is useful in reducing opioid withdrawals and cravings that are common when stopping painkiller abuse. The medications used are opioid analgesics that fully or partially block the effects of opioids. Medical staff will administer the medications and monitor patients for any adverse side effects.
- Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs – Depending on the severity of symptoms, patients will begin therapy through residential treatment with 24/7 support or outpatient support for patients who can abstain from opioid abuse with minimal supervision.
If not treated, painkiller abuse can lead to abusing harder drugs like heroin if they can no longer fill their prescription and have been taking more than prescribed.
Choose Swift River – Massachusetts for Our Prescription Drug Abuse Rehab Programs
At Vertva Health Massachusetts, we support men and women who are struggling with painkiller addiction. When you first arrive, our team will perform a complete assessment of your physical and mental health along with the severity of your symptoms. We use this information to build a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of opioid addiction.
Patients gain a better understanding of how painkiller abuse affects them and develop healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms and staying on a sober path. If you or someone you love is addicted to painkillers or other opioids, call 413.570.9698 today to caring staff about enrolling in our addiction treatment facility.
