Choosing the Best Opioid Detox Program in New Jersey

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that act on the nervous system in the brain to alleviate pain. They bind to opioid receptors, which are proteins found on nerve cells, producing a variety of effects, including pain relief, sedation, and euphoria.

The most common uses of opioids are for chronic pain management and for anesthesia during surgery. Some opioids, like codeine, are also used in cough syrups to suppress coughing.

Opioids are derived from opium, a substance obtained from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum), which dates back to ancient times. Sumerians referred to it as “Hul Gil,” or “joy plant,” showing its addictive potential is long-standing and well-earned.

In the early 19th century, the use of opioids took a new turn when morphine was developed by German scientist Friedrich Serturner in 1805. In 1874, heroin was introduced and initially marketed as a non-addictive morphine substitute, which proved tragically ironic.

Throughout the 20th century, but especially in the latter half, opioid addiction became a public health concern and crisis. This has continued into the present day, with prescription painkiller addiction and fentanyl overdose deaths dominating the headlines. It’s this current opioid crisis that has driven demands for an opioid detox in New Jersey like ours.

Types of Opioid Drugs

There are different types of opioids. Here’s a breakdown:

Heroin

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine. It is primarily used illicitly for its euphoric effects rather than for any medical purpose, given its high potential for addiction and abuse. Heroin provides intense but short-lived euphoria, pain relief, and sedation, but it also carries significant risks, including a high likelihood of overdose and respiratory depression.

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is another semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from thebaine, which is found in the opium poppy. It’s often prescribed for moderate to severe pain, with well-known brand names like OxyContin for extended-release and Percocet when combined with acetaminophen. Oxycodone offers pain relief similar to morphine but with greater potency, leading to effective pain management but also to significant risks of dependency, tolerance, and addiction.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl stands out as a synthetic opioid that is much more potent than morphine or heroin. It’s used medically for severe pain management, especially post-operative or in palliative care for cancer patients, and is available in forms like patches, lozenges, and injections. However, its extreme potency leads to a narrow therapeutic window, making it highly risky for overdose. Illegally, fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs to enhance their effects, contributing to numerous overdose deaths.

Codeine

Codeine is a natural opioid, a methylated derivative of morphine. It’s commonly used as a pain reliever and cough suppressant in both over-the-counter and prescription medications, often combined with acetaminophen or aspirin. Codeine provides mild to moderate pain relief and is effective against coughs but still carries a risk of abuse, particularly because it can be metabolized into morphine in the body.

What Are the Dangers of Opioid Abuse?

Opioids are extremely dangerous. They can lead to lifetime addiction and fatal overdose, among other things.

Here’s an in-depth look at the dangers associated with opioid misuse:

High Potential for Overdose and Death

Opioids are incredibly powerful, able to depress breathing and heart rate to dangerously low levels. By far, the most lethal overdoses in the United States are connected to opioids, constituting 67.7% of all fatal overdoses in the US.

Opioids Are Extremely Addictive

Opioid use produces overwhelming feelings of euphoria, which can easily lead to repeat use. This changes a person’s brain chemistry, leading to extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when not taken.

Building a Tolerance to the Drugs

As individuals continue to abuse opioids, they often build a tolerance to the drug. This means they require larger doses to achieve the same effects, which increases the risk of overdose. As tolerance escalates, individuals may seek stronger or illicit opioids, such as heroin, when prescription opioids no longer suffice, further putting their health at risk.

Health Problems

Opioid abuse also leads to a wide range of health problems. Chronic use can cause liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, and an increased risk of infections, particularly for those who inject drugs. Additionally, opioids can lead to mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. Long-term opioid use also weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other health complications.

Social Impact

The Centers for Disease Control estimated the economic cost of the opioid crisis in the United States in 2017 at over one billion dollars, including the cost of opioid use disorder at $471 billion and the cost of fatal opioid overdose at $550 billion.

Aside from the monetary impact, addiction can strain relationships with loved ones to the breaking point. Individuals may also lose their jobs or face economic instability due to their addiction. Furthermore, opioid abuse can lead to legal issues, as possession or distribution of opioids is illegal, and the behaviors used to support addiction, such as theft, can result in criminal charges.