Opiates are drugs derived from opium. Opioids used to refer
to synthetic opiates (drugs created to emulate opium, however different
chemically). Now the term Opioid is used for the entire family of opiates
including natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic.
An opioid is any agent that activates opioid receptors
(protein molecules located on the membranes of some nerve cells) found
principally in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. There are
four broad classes of opioids:
- Endogenous opioid, naturally produced in the
body, endorphins
- Opium alkaloids, such as morphine and codeine
- Semi-synthetic opioids such as heroin oxycodone,
and Buprenorphine
- Fully synthetic opioids, such as methadone, that
have structures unrelated to the opium alkaloids
Medical professionals use the word "opioid" to
refer to the entire family of opioids, and the word "opiate" for a
specific non-synthetic opioid, however, many only use "opioid".
Consistent with the current definition, Inspirations for Youth and Families,
aka Inspirations Teen Rehab’s website uses "opioid" to refer to all
opioids and opiates.
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