Today, opiate addiction contributes to the local and national opioid crisis. Originally derived from the opium poppy, opiates are powerful painkillers that provide euphoric effects. Many people may begin opiate or opioid use in the hospital. Unfortunately, opiates change brain chemistry, often leading to addiction.
Northpoint Seattle provides comprehensive outpatient treatment for opiate addiction in Seattle and Bellevue. Our integrative substance abuse treatment programs help the greater Seattle community recover from opiate use. With programs designed to meet each indiviudal’s unique needs, the opiate addiction treatment program at Northpoint Seattle is an excellent option to heal and recover. Call us now at 888.483.6031 to learn more about our opiate addiction treatment programs.
Opiates vs. Opioids?
Often used interchangeably, opiates are natural substances, while opioids are synthetic or semi-synthetically made. All opiates and opioids originally stemmed from the opium poppy. Humans have used opium for pain relief and euphoric experiences for millennia. In the last 200 years, however, scientists have derived stronger opioids from opiates. Morphine, the most common opiate, is significantly stronger than opium. Heroin is stronger than morphine, while fentanyl, a fully synthetic opioid, is stronger than all drugs.
Opiates like morphine and codeine are just as addictive as opioids like fentanyl and OxyContin. All opiates and opioids work by inhibiting pain receptors in the brain to stop the pain. Simultaneously, they release dopamine, which at high levels can cause euphoria. Unfortunately, these effects make opiates highly addictive. Someone will also build an opiate tolerance quickly, meaning they need higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief or euphoric effect. This can lead to overdose, drinking on opiates, and other dangerous behavior.
Short and Long-Term Effects of Opiate Use
Opiates like morphine immediately enter the bloodstream and increase dopamine levels. This can cause:
- Drowsiness
- Impaired judgment
- Severe itching
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Cramps
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Night blindness
- Problems with muscle control
- Skin rash
- Uncontrolled eye movements
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Floating feeling
Opiates can slow down the digestive system and other systems in the body. When opiates wear off, the body attempts to rebalance. This can cause sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Begin Outpatient Opiate Addiction Treatment in Seattle Today
If you or someone in your life is using opiates, don’t quit cold turkey. Call Northpoint Seattle today to enroll in our Seattle and Bellevue outpatient programs. Northpoint Seattle provides affordable, integrative addiction therapy with a range of care options and flexibility. We accept most insurance programs for our intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. We even pair clients with the right detox program for their needs.
Call Northpoint Seattle Now to Enroll in Opiate Addiction Treatment in Seattle, Washington
Northpoint Seattle is here to help you and the community recover from opiate and opioid addiction. If you’re using opiates, know you are not alone. Call us now at 888.483.6031 to find the right outpatient program for your needs at Northpoint Seattle.