The opioid epidemic continues to rage on across the country. As these illegal and prescription drugs continue to gain popularity, the toll it takes on the people who become hooked on them becomes more evident. If you know someone hooked on the most addictive opioids, it’s important to recognize the signs to get them help.
At Northpoint Recovery, we know how intimidating it can be to find opioid addiction treatment. Our team provides compassionate, supportive treatment to help lay the foundation for a healthier, happier future. Call 888.296.8976 today to get started.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are drugs that bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals. They can also produce feelings of pleasure, which is why people often abuse them. This drug class includes prescription painkillers and illegal substances like heroin.
Codeine
Codeine is a prescription painkiller often given after surgery or to treat pain and coughing. The drug comes from the opium poppy, which also produces heroin and morphine. While codeine isn’t as strong as other opioids, it’s still possible to become addicted to it.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of codeine is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
Morphine
Morphine is a prescription painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s also given before and after surgery to manage pain. The drug comes from the opium poppy, which also produces heroin and codeine.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of morphine is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is a prescription that treats moderate to severe pain. It’s often given after surgery or to people with chronic pain conditions. The drug comes from the opium poppy.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of hydrocodone is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a prescription painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s often given after surgery or to people with chronic pain conditions. The drug comes from the opium poppy.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of oxycodone is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Heroin
Heroin is an illegal opioid people often abuse. The drug comes from the opium poppy, which also produces morphine and codeine. Heroin is more potent than other opioids and is highly addictive.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of heroin is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Hydromorphone
Hydromorphone is a prescription painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s often given before and after surgery to manage pain. The drug comes from the opium poppy.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of hydromorphone is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone is a prescription painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s often given after surgery or to people with chronic pain conditions. The drug comes from the opium poppy.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of oxymorphone is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. It’s a partial opioid agonist, which produces similar effects to opioids but is less potent.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of buprenorphine is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Meperidine
Meperidine is a prescription painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s often given before and after surgery to manage pain. The drug comes from the opium poppy.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of meperidine is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a prescription painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s often given before and after surgery to manage pain. The drug comes from the opium poppy. It is also popularly used as a recreational drug because of its high potency, often being cut into drugs like heroin and cocaine.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of fentanyl is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Methadone
Methadone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. It’s a full opioid agonist, which produces similar effects to opioids but is less potent.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of methadone is drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Opioid Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, we can help. At Northpoint Recovery, we offer a variety of evidence-based treatment options, including detox, medication-assisted treatment, individual therapy, group therapy, and more. Contact us today by calling 888.296.8976 to learn more about our program and how we can help you or your loved one recover from opioid addiction.