Difference Between Opioids and Opiates

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The difference between opioids and opiates is subtle enough that most people use the words interchangeably. After all, they both come from the poppy plant. The biggest difference is that opiates are natural drugs and opioids are synthetic drugs. They both have the same effect on the mind and can cause the same side effects. If you are addicted to either opioids or opiates you are likely to receive the same type of treatment at an opiate detox center in Utah. You are also likely to experience many of the same side effects. They are both highly addictive and can lead to dependency. So, what are the differences?

Opiates

Opiates have been around for thousands of years. They are classified as schedule II drugs; meaning, they are acceptable for medical use, but they are still highly addictive. An opiate is any drug derived naturally from the poppy plant and designated for medical use. Common types of opiates include:

  • Opium

  • Morphine

  • Codeine

  • Heroin

Opioids

Opioid refers to any drug that produces a similar effect as an opiate. Developers create opioids synthetically or semi-synthetically in labs. This is the main distinction between opioids and opiates. Treatment centers may also use opioids to counter the withdrawal symptoms of other drugs or alcohol during detox. Since they are developed synthetically, there are far more variations than natural opiates. Some of the most common types of opioids include:

  • Oxycodone

  • Methadone

  • Demerol

  • Percocet

  • Vicodin

The Difference Between Opioids and Opiates

From an addiction standpoint, there is no distinguishable difference between opioids and opiates. They produce the same euphoric feeling that stimulates dopamine production in the brain. Therefore, they can lead to dependency over time. When the brain becomes dependent on the drug, then you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly quit using it. Keep in mind that it does not matter whether you use an opiate for medication or recreation. The withdrawal symptoms can be the same during detox. If you enter a rehab center for addiction, the difference between opiates vs opioids treatment will also be the same. A treatment center will offer both evidence-based and holistic treatment for either drug.

Seeking Treatment for Opioid and Opiate Addiction

You may not realize that you have an addiction to opiates vs opioids until you have been using the drug for a long period. If you have been on the same prescription medication for months or years, then getting off the drug will be difficult. Therefore, you should never attempt to go through detox alone. Acqua Recovery offers comprehensive detox, rehab, and aftercare for opioid or opiate addiction. If you do not know the difference between opioids and opiates, then we can treat both and get you on the road to recovery. To find out more about our treatment options, call us at 866.830.4628. We can answer your questions, discuss your addiction, and find the right treatment for your needs.

Difference Between Opioids and Opiates

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Dr. Daniel Pickrell

Dr. Daniel Pickrell
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.

By: Acqua Recovery

Posted Date: Jan 27, 2023

Updated Date: Nov 5, 2024

The difference between opioids and opiates is subtle enough that most people use the words interchangeably. After all, they both come from the poppy plant. The biggest difference is that opiates are natural drugs and opioids are synthetic drugs. They both have the same effect on the mind and can cause the same side effects. If you are addicted to either opioids or opiates you are likely to receive the same type of treatment at an opiate detox center in Utah. You are also likely to experience many of the same side effects. They are both highly addictive and can lead to dependency. So, what are the differences?

Opiates

Opiates have been around for thousands of years. They are classified as schedule II drugs; meaning, they are acceptable for medical use, but they are still highly addictive. An opiate is any drug derived naturally from the poppy plant and designated for medical use. Common types of opiates include:

  • Opium

  • Morphine

  • Codeine

  • Heroin

Opioids

Opioid refers to any drug that produces a similar effect as an opiate. Developers create opioids synthetically or semi-synthetically in labs. This is the main distinction between opioids and opiates. Treatment centers may also use opioids to counter the withdrawal symptoms of other drugs or alcohol during detox. Since they are developed synthetically, there are far more variations than natural opiates. Some of the most common types of opioids include:

  • Oxycodone

  • Methadone

  • Demerol

  • Percocet

  • Vicodin

The Difference Between Opioids and Opiates

From an addiction standpoint, there is no distinguishable difference between opioids and opiates. They produce the same euphoric feeling that stimulates dopamine production in the brain. Therefore, they can lead to dependency over time. When the brain becomes dependent on the drug, then you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly quit using it. Keep in mind that it does not matter whether you use an opiate for medication or recreation. The withdrawal symptoms can be the same during detox. If you enter a rehab center for addiction, the difference between opiates vs opioids treatment will also be the same. A treatment center will offer both evidence-based and holistic treatment for either drug.

Seeking Treatment for Opioid and Opiate Addiction

You may not realize that you have an addiction to opiates vs opioids until you have been using the drug for a long period. If you have been on the same prescription medication for months or years, then getting off the drug will be difficult. Therefore, you should never attempt to go through detox alone. Acqua Recovery offers comprehensive detox, rehab, and aftercare for opioid or opiate addiction. If you do not know the difference between opioids and opiates, then we can treat both and get you on the road to recovery. To find out more about our treatment options, call us at 866.830.4628. We can answer your questions, discuss your addiction, and find the right treatment for your needs.

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