What Is the Strongest Opiate?
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Opiate and opioids are two terms often used interchangeably, though they are not the same. While opiates are naturally derived from opium, and opioids are synthetically made, both affect the brain similarly. Opiates and opioids bind to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. In doing so, they change how the user perceives pain. In addition to pain relief, opiates and opioids can also create feelings of euphoria, or a high. These drugs trigger reward and emotion responses in the brain, which can lead to addiction.
Some opiates are stronger than others. For example, there are some opiates considered relatively mild, while others are so potent they can cause an almost instantaneous overdose in people who aren’t opioid-tolerant. The misuse of opioids has led to an epidemic in the United States, with more than two million people reportedly addicted to these drugs. So, which are the most potent opiates and opioids?
Following the above strong opiates and opioids, they then go down in strength from there. Oxycodone isn’t as potent as the aforementioned drugs, but it is still very addictive. Oxycodone is found in brand-name drugs like Percocet and Oxycontin. Morphine is a natural opiate used in medicine, and it’s half as powerful as oxycodone. Hydrocodone’s potency is between morphine and oxycodone’s potency. Codeine is one of the weakest opioids and is usually given in cough medicines or to alleviate pain ranging from mild to moderate.
While the strength of opiates and opioids may vary, it’s important to realize they are all addictive and can cause physical dependence.
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