Opioids refer to synthetic or man-made substances and opiates refer to substances derived from nature. Opioids and opiates both bind to opiate receptors in the brain. Opioids/opiates come in both legal and illegal forms. Prescription opioids are medications that are used to treat chronic or acute pain.
Prescription opioids are considered Schedule 2 controlled drugs, meaning they have a high misuse or addiction potential. Selling or sharing your medication is illegal. Selling your prescription is usually considered a felony, even if the prescription is medically valid. Giving, trading, or selling medication is known as medication diversion and can come with profound consequences.
Illegal opioids are substances that are manufactured and/or distributed against the law. It is important to note that any prescribed medication has the potential to be considered illegal if not used as directed by a physician.
Opioids/opiates have a strong potential for overdose. Overdose is the consumption of too much substance that becomes toxic to the body. Overdose can lead to sudden death. Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, can reverse the effects of an opioid/opiate overdose and reduce the risk that an overdose will end in a fatality.
All opioids/opiates, including prescribed, have the potential to cause Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is described as a group of symptoms an infant may experience when withdrawing from in-utero exposure to substances. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant, consult your physician for recommendations to decrease the risk of NAS.
For support with prevention, treatment, and recovery of Substance Use Disorder, contact AskPETRA.