The opiate and opioid epidemic frequently makes the news for its effects across the United States. However, many people struggle with a deeper understanding of these drugs, as well as addiction and addiction treatment. Without comprehensive treatment, individuals afflicted by addiction have little recourse to deal with these issues by themselves. While the rates of opiate addictions continue to rise, opiate detox centers are providing the help that addicted individuals need. Through a medical detox center in Tampa, FL, people addicted to these substances may safely come off the drug and begin working on lasting recovery.

What are Opiates?

People use the terms opiates and opioids synonymously. Let’s look at the exact nature of the term to understand it better. Opiates are a natural substance that comes from opium, a chemical naturally occurring in poppy seeds. Opioids, synthetic drugs derived from opium, may or may not include other chemical substances.

Opiates: All natural opiates are alkaloids, nitrogen-containing chemicals that occur in plants such as the opium poppy. Examples of opiates include morphine and codeine.

Semi-synthetic opioids: These drugs are created in labs and contain a combination of natural opiates. Examples include hydrocodone, oxycodone, and heroin.

Completely synthetic opioids: These drugs are created in labs by people. They don’t contain natural materials. Examples of these drugs include methadone, tramadol, and fentanyl.

Opiates, then, are the natural substance without any synthetic alterations. However, since semi-synthetic opioids (oxycodone, heroin) do contain opiates, people refer to these drugs like opiates, as well.

How Does Opiates Affect the Body and Brain?

Opiates affect the body in very much the same way as opioids do. Opiates are a depressant, so they slow down the central nervous system. Your breathing slows down, the heart rate decreases, and the entire body slows its pace. This is similar to the effects of alcohol or benzos. When people mix either of these two substances with opiates, dangerous consequences result.

Opiates also affect the brain by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain. The opioid receptors in the brain are called mu, delta, and kappa. Each receptor plays a different role in the brain and responds differently to the opiates. For example, the mu receptors provide the brain with pleasure and pain relief. The opiates also affect other aspects of the brain such as the limbic system, which is responsible for relaxation, feelings of well-being, and happiness.

Finally, opiates block the part of the brain that sends pain signals to your body. This is the reason physicians give people prescription opiates—pain relief. However, the other pleasurable side effects often tempt people to misuse the medication.

It’s obvious to see how people can become quickly addicted to opiates because of their ability to make people experience pleasurable feelings. This is why opiate detox at an addiction treatment center in Florida is necessary to get safely off the drug.

Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

Opiate withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and can range in severity, depending on the drug used, length of use, and individual body chemistry. Common opiate withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Muscle aches and pains
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Depression
• Irritability

In more serious cases, opiate withdrawal symptoms can include:

• High blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Chills

Seizures and hallucinations are also possible after heavy or long-term use of opioids. Treatment options are available to help manage these symptoms and make the process of recovery easier.

If you have been using opioids for a prolonged period, it’s important to seek professional help to safely detox from the drug. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, so it’s important to consult a medical doctor or addiction specialist before attempting any kind of self-detox program.

Finding an Opiate Detox Center in Tampa, Florida

When you realize you need help, finding a detox center that specializes in opiate addiction is vital. You want a facility that is well equipped to handle the symptoms of withdrawal. Medical-assisted treatment is an important criterion to look for when selecting your opiate detox center.

Welcome to BoardPrep Recovery Center^® where compassion meets experience and professionalism. Our certified and award-winning facility is ready to meet your opiate addiction needs with the best medical-assisted treatment. We understand the need for treatment that goes beyond detox. Some of our additional programs include:

• Day-night treatment program
• Outpatient addiction treatment
• Men’s addiction rehab
• Women’s addiction rehab
• Dual diagnosis treatment

Don’t let drugs and addiction hold you down in life. You can overcome your addiction by going to a premier opiate detox center. Contact us at 866.796.4720 or use our online form, and we’ll get you started on the pathway to healing and happiness.