What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that are either derived naturally from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) or are created synthetically to provide the same effect on opioid receptors. In medicine, opioids are used for pain management because they are effective at suppressing pain. Some opioids, like loperamide, are used to treat symptoms like diarrhea.

While opioids are designed for clinical use, they are commonly abused and pose a high risk for addiction and dependence. Sometimes their effects are enhanced by using opioid potentiators.

What Are Opioid Potentiators?

An opioid potentiator is any substance that is taken in combination with opioids to enhance their effects. Potentiators interact with opioids in the blood to cause various reactions. For example, orange juice and grapefruit juice have been shown to increase the effects of opioids like oxycodone. Doctors may recommend that patients don’t drink grapefruit or other citrus juices while they are taking prescription opioid medications.

Other potentiators include cold medicines, antihistamines and alcohol. Using potentiators can lead to serious complications and increase the risk of death due to overdose. Opioid potentiators can lead to different drug interactions in the body that can have unpredictable results. Some potentiators can lead to polysubstance abuse, which is characterized by abuse of multiple substances. Polysubstance abuse can be much more difficult to treat than a single drug addiction.

Dangers of Opioid Abuse

Opioids are commonly abused because they have such a high potential for addiction and dependence. People who abuse opioids are likely to develop a tolerance to the drugs that can lead to dependence and addiction. When someone becomes dependent upon opioids, they experience painful opioid withdrawal symptoms when the drug begins to exit their bodies. Symptoms may become apparent a few hours after the last opioid dose. Withdrawal symptoms are difficult to manage without professional treatment. Taking opioid potentiators can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms.

Common withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid drugs are:

  • Muscle cramps, tightness and soreness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive sweating
  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Depression
  • Cravings for opioid drugs

Prolonged opioid abuse increases someone’s chance of overdose. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, more than 24,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses in 2014. Opioid-related overdoses make up a large percentage of the 120 people who die from drug overdoses every day in the United States. Use of opioid potentiators compounds that risk since drug interactions can increase and intensify various side effects like suppressed breathing or changes in the heart rate.

Side effects of opioid use include:

  • Constipation
  • Itching
  • Euphoria
  • Dizziness
  • Sedation
  • Respiratory depression

Treatment

Opioid addiction requires comprehensive care to manage withdrawal symptoms and begin recovery. Opioid addiction treatment usually starts with a controlled detoxification in which the patient’s body will rid itself of substances and toxins.

After detoxification, patients will go through other therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy to address possible psychological and emotional issues that may have led to their drug abuse. These therapies will help them form new mental processes and habits that will increase their chances of having healthy, productive lives without feeling the need to take opioid drugs.

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Editor – Jennifer Kopf
Jennifer Kopf is a Florida-based writer who likes to balance creative writing with helpful and informative pieces. Her passion for helping people has translated into writing about the importance of treatment for substance use and mental health disorders. Read more
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Medically Reviewed By – Benjamin Caleb Williams, RN
Benjamin Caleb Williams is a board-certified Emergency Nurse with several years of clinical experience, including supervisory roles within the ICU and ER settings. Read more
Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.