Over 16 million people are suffering from opioid use disorder. The longer we prevent ourselves from understanding the reality of addiction, the more we become prone to problems further down the line.
In this blog, we will talk about the difference between synthetic and natural opioids.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids, also called narcotics, are a class of drugs that are made from the opium poppy plant with the scientific name papaver somniferum. They are typically prescribed for pain relief because they imitate endorphins in the body.
How do Opioids Work in the Body?
Opioids operate by copying a naturally formed chemical called endorphins. The chemical helps regulate breathing, slow down digestion, encourage social bonding, and turn on the body’s reward system during sex, eating, and exercise.
The body releases endorphins once a person experiences pain or pleasure. The endorphins attach to the nerve’s opioid receptors, blocking the neurological doorway. This results in not letting other chemicals that bring pain and stress signals pass through.
Opioids do the same thing and attach themselves to the nerve’s opioid receptors even more effectively than endorphins can. Specifically, synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids bond better with opioid receptors.
What Are the Different Types of Opioids?
There are several types of opioids, some stronger than others. However, there are three main types which are:
- Natural Opioids– or opiates; they are made directly from the coating around the seeds from the poppy plant. Some examples of natural opioids are codeine, morphine, and opium.
- Semi-synthetic Opioids– are considered half natural and half synthetic. It is created in a lab codeine or morphine to make something stronger. Some examples are heroin, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone.
- Synthetic Opioids– are completely created in a lab. Some examples are fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), and tramadol (Ultram).
Opioids can also be classified by how fast the body metabolises them, which are:
- Immediate-release- these are the kinds that start working right away, but the effects have a short duration. This is the type that causes more uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms
- Extended-release- this kind needs more time to work, but the effects last longer.
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Why are Opioids Used in Medicine?
Opioids are often utilised in medicine because they have chemicals in them that can relax the body. It is also used for several other reasons, such as:
- Opioids can block pain signals in the brain.
- Opioids can minimise or manage moderate to severe pain, including post-surgery pain due to trauma or disease
- Opioids can be used to treat symptoms such as chronic pain, coughing, and diarrhoea
- Opioids are the most prescribed type of painkillers in the world.
What Are Natural Opioids?
It is a type of opioid that is also called opiates. It is made directly from the opium poppy. It can be found in the poppy’s latex. The latex is the milky resin part that is found in the plant’s seed pod once it is cut.
What is the Source of Natural Opioids?
The opium poppy plant produces a latex substance that is called opium. It contains several alkaloids that are used in creating natural opioids.
What are Examples of Natural Opioids?
Examples of natural opioids are:
- Opium- which is the substance that is directly harvested from the opium poppy. During the Ancient Civilizations, it is used to treat pain and various health conditions. It also has a long history of being used for recreational purposes.
- Morphine- it has existed in its pure form since the 19th century. It is continuously prescribed by doctors for pain relief.
- Codeine- it is one of the first opioids to be isolated in the 19th century. It can be directly extracted from opium or made from morphine.
What Are Synthetic Opioids?
Synthetic opioids are a type of opioids that are created in the laboratory. It works on the same targets in the brain as natural opioids do to produce pain relief.
Fabrication Of Synthetic Opioids
The fabrication of synthetic opioids can impose a higher level of danger because people will be unaware if there are other substances mixed with the opioid or whether or not their body can handle the strength of it.
The Common Types of Synthetic Opioids
Examples of common types of synthetic opioids are:
- Fentanyl- this is used to treat severe pain like the pain experienced with advanced cancer. Fentanyl is considered 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
- Methadone- it is used to treat pain and opioid use disorder.
- Tramadol- used to treat moderate to severe pain.
The Advantages of Synthetic Opioids
Synthetic opioids have several advantages. Some examples of those advantages are:
- It is considered stronger than natural opioids, which means that it requires a smaller dosage for its effectiveness to manifest.
- It can be made based on specific dosages, which assures more predictable effects.
- Some synthetic opioids have less side effects than others.
- Most of them provide faster pain relief for acute pain.
How Do Synthetic and Natural Opioids Compare?
The following are the differences between natural and synthetic opioids:
Key Differences in Composition
Natural opiates are based on complex and naturally occurring structures that are directly connected to the alkaloids that can be found in the opium poppy plant. It generally has a lower potency level compared to synthetic opioids.
In addition, the concentration of active compounds in natural opioids can be different because of the growing conditions of the plant, which results in inconsistency in dosages.
Different Effects on the Body
Both natural and synthetic opioids manage pain effectively however, factors such as potency, onset, duration, side effects, and receptor interactions can dictate different effects on the body.
Natural opioids may require a higher dosage to produce the same effects that synthetic opioids do. It also has a slower onset, which makes it a great choice for managing chronic pain.
On the other hand, synthetic opioids are considered much stronger, which means they can relieve pain in smaller doses. It has a faster onset and can be made for short or long-acting effects.
The Risks of Each Type
With prolonged use of natural opioids, the risk of physical dependence and addiction is possible. Patients may require higher doses in the long run to feel the same level of pain relief. In addition, the concentration of the active compounds in natural opioids can differ depending on the source, which can affect the doses and effectiveness.
On the other hand, synthetic opioids are considered stronger, which makes the risk of overdose higher even with smaller doses. Addiction and dependence may also develop faster because of the strength that it holds. In addition, if not managed properly, the quick action can lead to acute respiratory depression.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a strong synthetic opioid that is effective in managing moderate to severe pain. However, it produces several side effects and has massive abuse potential. In addition, the overdoses of this drug could be fatal.
Fentanyl
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Pain Management
People feel and receive pain differently, considering how our bodies are built, how strong they are, and several other factors. Opioids are commonly used for pain, but it is important to be aware of your specific case.
Which Type Is More Effective for Pain Relief?
The effectiveness of each type will depend on what type of pain is being treated. Each type is effective for treating specific types of pain, and it will also depend on how the patient’s body will react to the medication.
The Potential Side Effects of Each Type
The common side effects of taking natural opioids are:
- Sedation
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Respiratory depression
On the other hand, synthetic opioids are designed to minimise certain side effects, but they still pose some risks, such as respiratory depression and overdose. The scope of the side effects will be determined by the specific compound and how the patient responds.
How do Prescribing Practices Differ for Natural and Synthetic Opioids?
The dosages of natural opioids can start with recommendations of a licensed professional and slowly be adjusted by the specific responses and side effects of the body. On the other hand, the dosage for synthetic opioids needs to be calculated more carefully because of its strength. It will often start with a lower dose and increase if required to avoid overdose.
The Dangers of Opioids
The following are the dangers that can be associated with continued use of opioids:
Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal is a group of symptoms that a person feels after suddenly stopping the consistent intake of opioids. Each person may feel and experience different symptoms depending on the intensity of the case. The following are examples of common symptoms that you can look out for:
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Muscle cramps
- Hot and cold flushes
Harm To the Central Nervous System
The effects that opioids have on the brain and the central nervous system are beyond pain relief. The drug-affected areas include:
- Limbic System- a part of the brain connected to the emotions of happiness and relaxation
- Brainstem- controls functions such as breathing and metabolism. This is why excessive levels of opioids in the system can cause a person to stop breathing.
- Spinal cord- considered a passage for nerve cells travelling throughout the body.
Once these parts are affected, it can cause:
- Euphoria
- Sleepiness
- Loss of consciousness and awareness
- Confusion
- Slower reaction time
- Impaired decision-making skills
- Focus and concentration problems
Opioid Use Disorder and Addiction
Opioid use disorder is categorised as a chronic mental health condition that is connected to a problematic pattern of opioid misuse. It is the consistent use of opioids despite the possibility of harmful consequences.
Overdose
Opioid overdose happens when a person is experiencing excessive stimulation of the opioid pathway. This can be identified by the presence of these three symptoms:
- pinpoint pupils
- unconsciousness,
- trouble breathing
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How Can Individuals Make Informed Choices?
People who are struggling with substance use disorder can feel overwhelmed in planning how to start their recovery journey. There is still a lot of stigma and judgement around addiction, which makes it harder for people to come forward and ask for help. Here are some tips or reminders to make once you decide to make an informed choice about recovery:
Read Up on Opioid Dependence and Addiction
Substance abuse and mental health issues are complex subjects that the world lacks knowledge about. It is going to be difficult to understand something that you are not in the situation yourself, so it is important to learn and understand what happens when a person is dependent or descending into addiction. Having prior knowledge can help through the recovery process because you would not feel too overwhelmed and blindsided by what could happen.
Consult A Doctor or Healthcare Provider If You Have Any Concerns
A doctor or a licensed healthcare provider has the exact knowledge and experience to guide you through the depths of your feelings. It is important to seek their guidance in order to have a specific plan to avoid further problems and kickstart your recovery journey.
Avoid Taking Any Opiate or Opioid Analgesics If Not Prescribed and Ask Questions
Taking any opiates or opioid analgesics without a prescription can do more harm than good. Each type has different effects and compositions, which can react differently in our bodies. Even the smallest factor could cause a massive problem therefore, we should always ask questions to be fully informed.
What to Do If Opioid Use Becomes Addictive
Opioids are highly addictive, especially if it is being taken more than it was prescribed for. Once you feel symptoms or things are starting to change in your body after taking opioids consistently, it is important to seek a professional’s help because you can’t easily say that you would quit cold turkey. Even quitting requires a specific process to ensure your safety.
Seek Professional Help
Struggling through opioid abuse is something that no one should go through alone. Everybody has a different reason for finding themselves knee-deep in addiction because of something that is used to relieve pain. Also, you can never tell what’s going on in someone’s mind or if they have poor health.
We need to create a safer place for people to be able to feel confident about seeking professional help when needed. People should not feel scared or uneasy about wanting to break free from chronic use of substances.
Abuse and mental health services are here to slowly help people rebuild their lives and get back on their feet. Nobody is perfect, and it’s normal to experience these kinds of struggles.
Are you ready to take a chance and start your journey to recovery? We are here for you. Contact Sierra Recovery today.
