Synthetic opioids are powerful drugs designed to provide pain relief. They are a major part of modern medicine but also a leading cause of opioid overdose. In the United States, deaths involving opioid drugs continue to rise, fueling the ongoing opioid epidemic.
This article explores how synthetic opioids are made, their effects, and the dangers they pose.
Compared to natural opioids or semi-synthetic opioids, synthetic opioids are man-made drugs that mimic natural opioids like morphine.
They interact with opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and providing pain relief. These drugs are used in hospitals to manage severe pain but are also misused, leading to substance use disorders and overdose deaths.
Synthetic opioids are produced using complex chemical processes. Scientists design them to target opioid receptors with high precision. This makes them highly effective for pain relief but also increases their potency.
Illegal labs also produce synthetic opioids like fentanyl. These labs often add them to other drugs, increasing the risk of overdose deaths. Unlike natural opioids, synthetic versions can be made in bulk, making them more accessible and more dangerous.
Synthetic opioids include several drugs, each with unique properties. These drugs are highly effective but also carry a high risk of misuse and addiction. Examples of synthetic opioids include fentanyl and methadone. Below is a list of commonly used opioids made synthetically.
These prescription opioids are approved for medical use, primarily for pain management or opioid use disorder treatment:
These are primarily manufactured illegally and are responsible for many opioid-related overdoses:
These are newer, often clandestinely manufactured opioids designed to circumvent legal restrictions:
Some synthetic opioids are also developed for research or niche medical application, which includes Lofentanil, Nefopam, and Tilidine.
Synthetic opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors are part of the central and peripheral nervous systems and are responsible for pain perception, mood, and autonomic functions.
Binding to these receptors blocks pain signals, providing pain-relieving effects. These drugs also cause feelings of euphoria by triggering dopamine release, which can lead to misuse.
Synthetic opioids are extremely potent and carry significant risks. They are designed to provide pain relief, but their high potency often leads to dangerous side effects and fatal outcomes.
Other key side effects of these drugs include, slowed heart rate, sedation and respiratory depression. High doses can also cause opioid overdose, which can manifest in symptoms such as shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, and loss of consciousness.
Long-term use often results in opioid use disorder, a chronic condition where individuals become dependent on these drugs.
Repeated use alters brain chemistry, which can lead to tolerance and dependence. Once addicted, stopping the drug can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, including muscle aches, vomiting, and intense cravings.
The potency and accessibility of these opioids make them a major contributor to the opioid crisis. Their misuse is a driving force behind the rise in drug overdose deaths in the United States.
Synthetic opioids play a crucial role in pain management but come with significant risks. They interact with opioid receptors to provide pain relief but also lead to opioid use disorders and overdose deaths.
Recovering from opioid misuse is challenging, but help is always available. Opioid rehab programs offer structured support to help people overcome addiction and regain control of their lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid misuse, don’t wait to reach out. Professional support can make all the difference.
Our Scottsdale rehab and detox facilities provide supervised detox programs and comprehensive treatment for those in need. Connect with our team today and begin your recovery with ease and comfort.
