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what is the difference between an opiate and an opiod? (Original Post) CTyankee Apr 2018 OP
Opioid means synthetic, I think unblock Apr 2018 #1
Here's what I found on the interwebs: iscooterliberally Apr 2018 #2
thanks. No wonder I hadn't heard of opioids until more recently than opiates...makes sense! CTyankee Apr 2018 #3
It was a great question on your part. iscooterliberally Apr 2018 #5
here you go Motley13 Apr 2018 #4

iscooterliberally

(2,849 posts)
2. Here's what I found on the interwebs:
Thu Apr 19, 2018, 05:17 PM
Apr 2018
https://www.centeronaddiction.org/the-buzz-blog/we-asked-you-answered-there-difference-between-opioid-and-opiate

While subtle, the distinction between opioids and opiates is significant. An opiate is a drug naturally derived from the flowering opium poppy plant. Examples of opiates include heroin, morphine and codeine.

On the other hand, the term opioid is a broader term that includes opiates and refers to any substance, natural or synthetic, that binds to the brain’s opioid receptors – the parts of the brain responsible for controlling pain, reward and addictive behaviors. Some examples of synthetic opioids include the prescription painkillers hydrocodone (Vicodin) and oxycodone (OxyContin), as well as fentanyl and methadone.

It is important to note that while all opiates are opioids, not all opioids are opiates. Additionally, just because opiates are natural does not mean they are less harmful. Just like opioids, opiates are highly addictive and frequently misused.

iscooterliberally

(2,849 posts)
5. It was a great question on your part.
Thu Apr 19, 2018, 05:22 PM
Apr 2018

Last edited Thu Apr 19, 2018, 05:52 PM - Edit history (1)

I've been on these things off and on many times in my life and never really thought about the difference. I don't need them anymore thankfully. All my broken bones have mended.

Motley13

(3,867 posts)
4. here you go
Thu Apr 19, 2018, 05:20 PM
Apr 2018

opioid
[oh-pee-oid]

noun, Biochemistry, Pharmacology.
1.
any opiumlike substance.
2.
any of a group of natural substances, as the endorphins, produced by the body in increased amounts in response to stress and pain.
3.
any of several synthetic compounds, as methadone, having effects similar to natural opium alkaloids and their derivatives.
adjective
4.
pertaining to such a substance.




opiate
[noun, adjective oh-pee-it, -eyt; verb oh-pee-eyt]

Synonyms
Examples
Word Origin

See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com
noun
1.
a drug containing opium or its derivatives, used in medicine for inducing sleep and relieving pain.
2.
any sedative, soporific, or narcotic.
3.
anything that causes dullness or inaction or that soothes the feelings.
adjective
4.
mixed or prepared with opium.
5.
inducing sleep; soporific; narcotic.
6.
causing dullness or inaction.
verb (used with object), opiated, opiating.
7.
to subject to an opiate; stupefy.
8.
to dull or deaden.

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