What are Opioids? 

Opioids are a class of drugs that come from or mimic substances present in the opium poppy plant. These drugs have several medical applications, including pain relief. They may be prescription medications like oxycodone and pethidine, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. While opioids can be invaluable in pain management, they also produce a euphoric high that makes them highly addictive. 

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a growing crisis, especially within the LGBTQ community, where higher rates of substance use are linked to the stress of discrimination, stigma, and marginalization. Many LGBTQ individuals turn to opioids as a way to cope with emotional pain, but this can lead to dependence, addiction, and worsened mental health outcomes.

Types of Opioids

All opioids share similar chemical properties and work by interacting with the brain’s opioid receptors. Some occur naturally in plants, while others are modified or entirely man-made.

Natural Opioids

These come directly from the opium poppy plant and include:

• Morphine
• Codeine
• Thebaine
• Other plants, like kratom, also contain opioid-like compounds, and Salvinorin A (found in Salvia divinorum) has psychedelic effects.

Opioids Produced in the Body

The human body naturally produces its own opioids, called endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins, and endorphins, which help regulate pain and stress.

Semi-Synthetic Opioids

These are lab-modified versions of natural opioids and include:

• Oxycodone
• Hydrocodone
• Heroin
• Hydromorphone
• Buprenorphine

Synthetic Opioids

Fully lab-created, these opioids are commonly used for pain relief, anesthesia, or addiction treatment. Examples include:

• Fentanyl
• Methadone
• Tramadol
• Pethidine

Opioid-Like Medications

Drugs like tramadol and tapentadol aren’t chemically the same as traditional opioids, but they still activate opioid receptors and influence other brain chemicals to relieve pain.

How Opioids Impact the Brain

Opioids affect the brain in both the short and long term, altering its chemistry and function.

Short-Term Effects

• Pain Relief: Opioids reduce discomfort by binding to receptors in the central nervous system that control pain signals.
• Euphoria: By triggering the brain’s reward system, opioids release large amounts of dopamine, creating feelings of pleasure that reinforce continued use.
• Breathing Suppression: They slow down activity in the brainstem, leading to dangerously slow or shallow breathing. This effect reduces brain oxygen supply potentially causing damage, or even death.
• Drowsiness and Dizziness: Common side effects that can impair coordination and alertness.
• Reduced Awareness: Opioids can dull cognitive function, making users unaware of life-threatening symptoms like respiratory distress.

Long-Term Effects

• Tolerance: This occurs gradually as the body begins needing higher doses each time to get the same effects.
• Dependence: Due to rewiring on nerve cell function in response to the drug always being present, people can develop psychological or physical dependence on opioids.
• Impaired Judgment and Behavior: Prolonged use affects decision-making and increases risky behaviors.
• Addiction: Opioids can cause long-lasting brain changes, leading to compulsive drug use despite negative consequences.
• Cognitive Decline: Studies show opioids shrink the brain’s frontal lobe, impacting memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.

Why Are Opioids So Addictive?

Opioids are highly addictive because they not only relieve pain but also create a sense of intense pleasure or euphoria. This rewarding effect can make people want to keep using them.

Over time, the body builds tolerance, meaning the same dose no longer has the same effect. To achieve the same level of pain relief or euphoria, a person may take higher doses, increasing the risk of dependence and addiction.

There are two types of dependence:

• Psychological dependence – When a person craves the drug and feels compelled to use it despite negative consequences.
• Physical dependence – When the body adapts to the drug and if a person tries to suddenly reduce or quit, they get distressful symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant, even scary. This pushes some people to continue using opioids just to avoid discomfort, further reinforcing addiction.

The Danger of Opioid Overdose

An overdose occurs when a person takes a drug in excessive amounts, causing life-threatening physical effects. With opioids, this can lead to dangerously slow or stopped breathing, which can be life-threatening. Some overdoses are nonfatal, but others can result in death.

The following factors can increase the chances of a person overdosing on opioids including:

• Taking opioids to experience a high.
• Exceeding the prescribed dose, either accidentally or intentionally.
• Taking opioids with alcohol or other drugs, especially benzodiazepines.
• Taking someone else’s opioid prescription.

People with opioid use disorder are at a higher risk of overdose. However, even those using prescription opioids as directed should be cautious, as misuse can quickly lead to dependence and dangerous outcomes. Immediate action must be taken to save someone experiencing an overdose. 

Overcome Opioid Addiction With Residential Rehab Treatment

Opioid use disorder can be successfully treated through a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Some medications are able to suppress cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. After the detox phase, individual and group therapy will help you develop coping strategies, heal from past trauma, and rebuild a life that feels good without substances.

At Q Space Detox, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We focus on affirming care that caters to the needs of LGBTQ individuals because feeling safe and understood is a huge part of healing. If you or someone you love is struggling, don’t wait. Call us today on 305-745-7768 and take the first step toward overcoming opioid addiction.