Narcotics Vs Opioids: What’s The Difference?

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Narcotics Vs Opioids: What’s The Difference?

If you or a loved one are using prescription painkillers, you may be curious about the difference between narcotics vs opioids. Commonly prescribed for severe pain, opioids and narcotics can be dangerous and addictive. If you’re struggling with addiction, you must get help from a caring medical staff who understands the journey to recovery. Granite Recovery Centers are here to help if you’re searching for an opiate or narcotics rehab center in New Hampshire. It can be hard to see a way out when you’re in the throes of addiction. When you reach out for help, you’ll realize that you’re not alone.

Addiction: The Difference Between Narcotics vs Opioids

The difference between opioids vs. narcotics can be confusing. Traditionally, law enforcement officers classified opioids as narcotics. In today’s world, the term narcotics often has a negative connotation with illegal drug use. This has led to most medical professionals no longer using the term in a professional setting.

Opioids are medications that are either made from the opium plant (often referred to as opiates). They may also be synthetic versions of the chemicals that come from the opium plant. Doctors refer to these medications as opioids. In recreational and legal settings, these drugs often are referred to as narcotics. The words mean the same thing clinically. There is no difference between narcotics and opioids. Both narcotics and opioids describe drugs that bind to the receptors in the brain and relieve pain. Drugs in these categories also have many negative side effects and are incredibly addictive.

Drugs that fall into the narcotics category include heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, codeine, Vicodin, and OxyContin. Many people who find themselves struggling with opioid addiction never intended to abuse drugs.  The body develops a tolerance to opioids quickly, resulting in the brain needing more and more of the drug to shut off pain receptors. Many people who take opiates find that they need the drug just to feel normal, rather than to relieve pain. Tolerance does not necessarily mean that addiction will occur, but it makes addiction more likely.

Getting Help For Narcotics Addiction

If you’re searching for information about the difference between narcotics and opioids, you may be struggling with addiction. A sober life is possible with a qualified recovery program. The first step is reaching out for help. At Granite Recovery Centers, our counselors are here to help you get your life on track. We understand what it’s like to be stuck in the cycle of addiction, and we can help you find your way out. Our New England opioid addiction rehab center can help you achieve lasting recovery.

Granite Recovery Centers: Our Services

At Granite Recovery Centers, we’re here to help you get your life back, even when you feel like things are spiraling out of control. We offer many different therapies to our clients:

  • Experiential, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and Gestalt therapy programs
  • Grief and loss therapy programs
  • PTSD and trauma treatment in Vermont
  • Individual and group therapy

Call Granite

If you’re ready to take the first step toward changing your life, we’re here to help. Call us today at to speak with one of our caring counselors about how we can help you get back on track. Recovery is possible, and a sober life can be in your future.

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Millions of people have changed their relationship with substances, cut back on how much they’re using, or stopped using altogether. You can too.

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