It’s beneficial to have a basic awareness of the difference between opiates and opioids if you or someone you care for is seeking treatment for opioid addiction. The common assumption with both substances is that they are the same thing, but opiate and opioid are two distinct terms.
Opiates
In corporate drug screening, opiates are a term for narcotic drugs that come from a natural poppy plant. This includes morphine, codeine, and heroin. Opiates, in other words, are chemicals produced by nature rather than by artificial means.
Opioids
On the other hand, opioids are synthetic or semi-synthetic substances with similar properties to those of opiates. This includes drugs like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl. They are made in a laboratory with the specific purpose of producing a chemical that mimics the effects of opiates. Physicians prescribe opioids to people with chronic pain, and they work by attaching to the brain’s opioid receptors.
What are the effects of these drugs on the body?
Opioids and opiates are sometimes used interchangeably; however, regardless of their similarities, opiates and opioids can alleviate pain as narcotic drugs. These drugs are meant to offer relief from pain or create a pleasant sensation in the body. Unfortunately, the use of natural or manufactured drugs has a significant impact on the body, mind, and brain.
Here are some effects:
- Withdrawal symptoms and physical dependence
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Increased tolerance resulting in a higher dosage needed to achieve the same effect
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Itching
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Inability to feel pleasure from other activities one used to enjoy
If someone is dependent on one specific opiate or opioid drug, whether medically authorized or not, changing to a different opiate or opioid substance can help prevent addiction.
Opioid Addiction
Over 33,000 fatalities per year are caused by the misuse of prescription and illegal opioids in the United States. It’s extremely hazardous, and individuals who become hooked on opiates or opioids can quickly develop a dependency. It’s a drug that could harm workers and their loved ones, and thus, employers may want to consider screening for opioid addiction in the workplace. For this reason, these drugs are commonly included in corporate drug screening.
According to a study from New York University, out of all professions, construction workers tend to be most at risk for opioid addiction. This makes sense since construction work is physically demanding and very dangerous, thus creating an environment where prescription of opioids is common.
Preventing Opioid Misuse in the Workplace
If you are worried about opioids being misused in your workplace, it may be beneficial to hire a drug testing service provider and implement a solid drug testing program. Drug test kits can help screen for opioids and other drugs as well. Find a drug testing service that provides easy-to-use, accurate drug test kits that can screen for multiple drugs at once. This will help you improve the health and productivity of your workforce while also protecting workers from opioid addiction.