Synthetic opioids are a class of psychoactive drugs that relieve pain like opiates. Drug manufacturers artificially produce these substances with an internal structure similar to naturally occurring opioids like morphine. Synthetic opioids and natural opioids have similar risks, but synthetic opioids are more potent. Users may experience harmful effects and have an increased possibility of addiction, overdose, and sometimes death. Opioid receptors are in the same areas of our brains that control breathing rate. In high doses, opioids can cause breathing to stop completely. The high potency of synthetic opioids substantially increases the chance of overdose, especially if a person has bought an opioid from the street, where the manufacturer mixed it with another illicit drug.

Do you suspect you or a loved one is struggling with synthetic opioid abuse such as Fentanyl? If so, it is vital to seek professional help immediately as it could save a life. Synthetic opioids have led to an alarming number of deaths and are the main contributor to the opioid crisis in the United States. At Bayview Recovery, we offer an opioid addiction treatment program that can effectively help in a full recovery from addiction. Reach out to one of our addiction specialists today at 855.478.3650 to take your life back from addiction!

Dangers of Synthetic Opioids

Frequently, illegal drug manufacturers use synthetic opioids as a cutting agent in other illicit drugs. Because of how powerful synthetic opioids are, overdose is common. Synthetic opioid overdose or death is often considered the second wave of the opioid epidemic. These drugs are opioid receptor antagonists which act primarily on the spinal cord and brain. The FDA regulates legally prescribed opioids, and when patients use them how doctors prescribe, they can be safe and effective. However, when purchased from the street, these drugs are highly dangerous. Some short-term and long-term effects of synthetic opioids include:

• Constipation
• Confusion
• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Depression
• Heart infections
• Addiction
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Lung infections
• Muscle pain
• Overdose
• Death

Researchers are still studying the long-term effects that synthetic opioids cause on the body. There is no need to risk your life, and there is help available to you if you or a loved one is experiencing any adverse effects like the ones listed above.

Effects of Opioid Abuse

Continued opioid use can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that would require medical attention to alleviate them safely and effectively. When considering the next steps of quitting a synthetic opioid, it would be best to consult with a medical professional beforehand. At Bayview Recovery, we offer many programs that could help to quit an opioid addiction at our Washington rehab center, including:

• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Outpatient rehab center
• Medication-assisted treatment program
• Men’s rehab program
• Women’s rehab program

These programs can specifically address the unique situation a person is in so that help can be available to those in active addiction of all calibers.

Seek Treatments at Bayview Recovery

At Bayview Recovery, our programs have a personalized, curated program that can maximize the chance of recovery while decreasing the risk of relapse. No road to recovery is the same, which is why these programs are suited to your lifestyle. The effects of opioid abuse are dangerous, and if death does not occur, it may have long-lasting effects on mental and physical health. Being involved in one of these programs or a combination of them can significantly reduce the impacts that synthetic opioids have caused in your life.

Although admitting you have an addiction can be intimidating or and severe withdrawal is daunting, there is no reason to live in fear of addiction. Help and hope are available to you for a full recovery from the effects of synthetic opioids at Bayview Recovery. Visit us online or call us at 855.478.3650 to reverse the impact synthetic opioids have caused in your life!