You might be curious about the question, "Can you die from opiate withdrawal?" Before addressing this concern, let's first understand these substances. People sometimes use the terms "opiate" and "opioid" interchangeably, but they do have differences.

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Opiates are chemicals manufactured especially from opium, naturally generated from the opium poppy plant. Morphine and codeine are two examples of opiates.

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Opioids cover a wider range of chemicals than other drugs. These include natural opiates, which come from opium, and synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds similar to opiates.

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Manufacturers can derive opioids naturally, like hydrocodone or oxycodone, or create them entirely in a lab, like fentanyl or tramadol.

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Doctors commonly prescribe opioid medications to control pain and alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. They interact with various receptors in the brain and body, diminishing pain perception and inducing sensations of relaxation and pleasure. We can categorize opioids into two main groups: illegal opiates and prescription opioids.

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A prescription opiate is a drug sold lawfully and given by medical practitioners for pain management. The following are some examples of prescribed opioids:

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• Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)

• Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco)

• Morphine (MS Contin, Kadian)

• Codeine

• Fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq)

• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

• Meperidine (Demerol)

 

People classify opioids as illicit when individuals use them without a valid prescription, a practice frequently linked to illegal drug markets. These opioids have a notorious reputation for misuse and abuse. Among the illicit opioids are:

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• Heroin: Are you interested in learning about heroin and the potential fatality of its withdrawal? Heroin is an illicit and highly addictive opioid derived from morphine. It is available in various forms, including white, brown, and black powder. Moreover, one can find it in a sticky, dark substance called "black tar."

 

Withdrawal from heroin can be a challenging experience. Therefore, the question arises: Can you die from heroin withdrawal? The answer is unequivocally YES!

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• Fentanyl: This is a potent synthetic opioid that is often manufactured illegally. It is among the most potent opioids. Fentanyl is more powerful than before. This raises the risk of overdose. It is also a major contributor to the sharp increase in overdose deaths in recent years.

 

So, the question remains: can you die from opioid withdrawal? Please note that the acute pain and flu-like symptoms associated with opiate withdrawal can give rise to severe complications. There is a significant chance of relapse during this stage. This could lead to an overdose, organ damage, and even death.

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Besides overdosing, two often-seen withdrawal symptoms during opioid withdrawal, notably vomiting, and diarrhea, significantly contribute to opioid fatalities. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration.

 

This can lead to increased blood salt levels, known as hypernatremia; if left untreated, it can cause heart failure. It is important to seek emergency medical care if this occurs.

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It is important to emphasize that prescription opioids can help with pain management. However, when using them, there is also a risk of overdose, addiction, and dependency. Illicit opioids, such as heroin and illegally synthesized fentanyl, pose greater risks. Their potency is unpredictable, and they may react with other drugs.

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If you or someone you know is using opioids, it is important to seek professional help. Consider exploring addiction treatment options.