Navigating Opioid Addiction Recovery with Synthetic Opioids

Opioid addiction, often referred to as opioid use disorder (OUD), is a chronic medical condition characterized by the compulsive use of opioids despite adverse consequences. At its core, opioid addiction hijacks the brain’s reward system, resulting in a strong craving for the drug coupled with the inability to control its use.

One of the most insidious aspects of opioid addiction is its ability to take hold, often catching people by surprise rapidly. Even those who never intended to misuse drugs can find themselves clutched tightly in the grip of addiction after just a few doses.

According to an article published in Psychology Today, over 9 million Americans reported misusing prescription opioids at least once in 2023. The rising concern of opioid addiction is also particularly alarming for older people, among whom it has often been linked to suicidal intent, as TruLaw has observed.

Recovering from opioid addiction can feel like navigating through a stormy sea. With the relentless waves of withdrawal symptoms and cravings, the path is long and threatens to capsize even the most determined of fighters. Today, we’re going to explore how synthetic opioids fit into the process of opioid addiction recovery. Let’s get started!

What are Synthetic Opioids?

Synthetic opioids represent a groundbreaking approach in the realm of addiction treatment, offering new hope and possibilities for those grappling with opioid addiction.

Unlike traditional opioids derived from the opium poppy plant, they’re chemically synthesized in laboratories, allowing precise control over their composition and effects. Now, let’s learn about the synthetic opioids that stand at the forefront of opioid recovery today:

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine, a partial opioid, has revolutionized medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. Buprenorphine binds to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids but with a clear distinction.

It activates these receptors with less intensity, mitigating cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a euphoric high.

Suboxone is a prevalent opioid medication in the market that contains this synthetic opioid as its active ingredient. While effective at its job, Suboxone is also known to have side effects. This medication has been found to cause dental injuries, including cavity and tooth loss, oral infections, and tongue injuries.

The sufferers of these injuries have filed a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit against its manufacturers for not warning about said side effects. The lawsuit revolves around how Suboxone damages a patient’s dental health due to its acidic nature.

It also alleges how the manufacturers of the medication – Indivior Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Aquestive Therapeutics Inc. – failed to warn the consumers about the risk of dental damage by its consumption. If this sounds like the situation of someone you know, you must encourage them to join the ongoing lawsuit today.

Methadone

Methadone is another key player in the realm of synthetic opioids.  It is a full opioid agonist that has been used for decades to treat opioid addiction.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, methadone’s ability to stabilize opioid receptors makes it an effective tool in managing cravings and preventing withdrawal symptoms. However, the medication isn’t always easy to find; only specially regulated clinics are permitted to sell it.

Healthcare providers can only administer methadone in a specialized clinic or treatment center. Initially, you might need to visit the clinic daily to receive your dose. However, demonstrating stability over time might make you eligible for take-home doses as well.

Extended Release Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

Extended-release naltrexone is a medication used in the treatment of opioid and alcohol dependence. Commonly called “vivitrol,” it belongs to the opioid antagonists class and works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain.

Vivitrol’s monthly injections offer a sustained release of naltrexone into your body, helping people maintain consistent levels of the medication in their system. They also alleviate the risk of relapse by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. For this reason, Vivitrol is particularly more popular among people who struggle to adhere to daily medication regimens.

How Do Synthetic Opioids Help with Addiction Recovery?

Could you have guessed that over 1 million Americans have died from drug overdose in the last 25 years? According to Psychiatric News, the annual overdose deaths in the country have doubled in the last decade.

Approximately 70% of the deaths were of males. The article also states how 60% of people suffering from OUD have also reported having a mental illness. It is this silent cry for help that synthetic opioids are answering today.

In the battle against opioid addiction, synthetic opioids have emerged as powerful allies in the journey towards recovery. These medications are carefully engineered to target the brain’s opioid receptors with precision and can support people suffering from OUD in their quest for sobriety.

One of the hallmark features of opioid addiction is the relentless onslaught of withdrawal symptoms that ensue when drug use is discontinued. These symptoms – ranging from flu-like discomfort to severe agitation and pain – often serve as formidable barriers to recovery. However, synthetic opioids such as buprenorphine and methadone offer a lifeline to those grappling with withdrawal.

The benefits of synthetic opioids extend far beyond mere symptom relief. By addressing opioid-induced cravings, they create a foundation for people to rebuild their lives free from the shackles of addiction. With them out of the way, you have much better chances to take behavioral therapies seriously.

Moreover, synthetic opioids offer a level of safety and predictability that is often lacking with illicit opioids. Unlike street drugs of unknown purity and potency, synthetic opioids are administered under the supervision of healthcare professionals, minimizing the risk of overdose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are opioids addictive?

Opioids work as effective pain relievers by mimicking our nervous system’s natural pain-relief function. But when taken in the absence of any pain, they activate our midbrain’s reward system, leading to their repetitive use solely for pleasure.

Is Tramadol an opioid?

Yes, tramadol is an opioid medicine prescribed to those who seek short-term release from moderate-to-severe pain. While it might not be as strong as Fentanyl, tramadol tends to offer a longer duration of analgesia, which has built its standing against the latter.

What are the first signs of withdrawal from opioid addiction?

Some common signs of opioid addiction withdrawal symptoms that you’re bound to notice first include tiredness, lack of sleep, irritability, anxiety, mood swings, and a looming sense of depression.

Wrapping things up, we’ve highlighted the vital role synthetic opioids play in recovery from OUD by easing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and opening a path to stability and sobriety. As we continue to harness the power of these medications and integrate them into comprehensive treatment plans, we move ever closer to realizing a future where opioid addiction is no longer a barrier to health, happiness, and fulfillment.