What Are the Different Types of Opioids?
What are the types of opioids, how do they work, and how does someone start to become on them? Read on to find out more.
What Are Opioids?
Naturally found in the poppy plant, opioids are a class of drugs that work in the brain to produce pain-relieving effects. Some opioids come in the form of prescription medication, while others can be found in non-medical settings, such as heroin. 1
Opioids are powerful drugs that can lead a person to dependence and addiction. To learn more about opioids and how they can cause addiction, read on in the following article.
How Do Opioids Work?
What Are Opioids Used For?
Opioid vs Opiate
Questions About Treatment?
Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.
How Do Opioids Work?
What Are Opioids Used For?
Opioid vs Opiate
Questions About Treatment?
Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.

What is Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid use disorder affects an individual’s brain in such a way that they feel as though using the drug is necessary for survival. Over two million Americans misuse opioids, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and each day more than ninety Americans die from an opioid overdose.
Risk Factors
Some risk factors for opioid use disorder include:
- Past or current substance abuse
- Being younger in age
- Untreated psychiatric conditions
- Family members who misuse opioids
- Being in an environment that encourages opioid use
These are just risk factors, and if one of these risk factors apply to you or a loved one, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will develop a substance use disorder. Most doctors agree that for most people, taking prescribed opioids for a few days is generally safe and should not lead to addiction.
Opioid Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Some common side effects of opioids on the body include:- Sleepiness or grogginess
- Constipation
- Decreased libido
- Changes in appetite
- Nausea
Severe Side Effects
Opioid use can also cause more serious side effects depending on the amount of usage or how long the individual has been using opioids, including:- Increased shallow breathing
- Slowed heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
If you or someone you know is experiencing the above serious side effects, contact a doctor immediately. These symptoms can be life-threatening and may indicate an opioid overdose. 4
Types of Opioids
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Morphine
How Can You Safely Use Opioid Drugs to Manage Pain?
While it is important to note the misuse potential of opioids, it’s also important to know that it can be possible to safely use opioid painkillers for pain management. First and foremost, make sure to only use the opioid medicine under the supervision of a physician, and be sure to take the medicine only as directed by a physician as well. Additionally, report both major and minor side effects to a doctor, as different opioids can have varying side effects.Another good step to taking opioids safely and responsibly is talking to a physician anaesthesiologist. Physician anaesthesiologists are doctors who specialize in pain management and opioid medicine, and they have extensive training in prescribing opioid medications. Speaking with a pain management specialist will ensure that the pain is being kept under control while also minimizing side effects and the risk of addiction.
What Are the Effects of Opioids?
Even for someone who does not misuse opioid pills or opiate drugs may experience side effects and it is important to understand the way opioid medication may impact your or a loved one’s life. Some common opioids effects to look out for include: 5- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Gastrointestinal problems including constipation and/or vomiting
- Tolerance – where the drug is less effective
- Hormone changes
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle spasms
Overcome Opioid Addiction with Essence Health & Wellness

If you or someone you know is experiencing opioid use disorder, know that there is help available. At Essence Health & Wellness, all levels of care are available. Whether detoxing or residential or intensive outpatient treatment is needed, Essence is committed to meeting you where you are with compassion. With a focus on present issues, Essence works to end not only the cycle of misuse, but also the cycle of treatment.
Essence Health and Wellness Treatment Programs
Essence treats all substance addictions, including all types of opioids use disorders, and uses a variety of treatment programs and techniques. Some of these include:
- 12-Step Model
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Experiential Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Family Systems approach
- Meditation
- Music Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Outdoor Adventure Therapy, and much more.
Additionally, Essence is committed to helping all people, offering geriatric treatment, young adult treatment, men’s-only and women’s-only rehabs, and is LGBTQ+ friendly.
Essence prioritizes health and recovery first by giving instant access to treatment and customized attention from our dedicated team, leading to positive changes and a faster recovery.
Resources
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/opioids/what-are-opioids.html
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/opioids/science-of-addiction.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29049118/https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/opioid-treatment/what-are-opioids/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18443635/
- https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine/article/16/suppl_1/S37/2472485