The Opioid Types

An interesting fact that not many people are aware of is that all I opioids are similar in chemical nature, as they are members of the same class of drugs. The chemicals associated with this drug can be produced in two different ways: either be synthesized in the laboratory, or be naturally derived from the opium plant.

Currently, there are a couple of different types of opioids, these being:

Opioids that occur naturally

These opioids are alkaloids, mostly present in places such as the resin of the poppy plant, or opium bulbs. The substances present include codeine, morphine and thebaine. Other natural opioids can also appear in the leaves of plants such as the Mytragyna speciose, whereas Salvinorin A, known for its possibility to induce psychedelic effects can be found in the Salvia divinorum plant.

Opioids that occur and are present in the body

These endogenous opioids are: endorphins, endomorphins, dynorphins and enkephalins.

Opioids that are semisynthetic

These opioids are created with the help of natural opioids, in laboratories. Examples include: oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, desomorphine, heroin, nicomorphine, benzylmorphine, buprenorphine and more.

Fully synthetic opioids

These particular opioids are synthesized fully in the laboratory, and are usually used for anaesthesia, treating drug dependence and pain relief. These include tramadol, fentanyl, pethidine and methadone.

There are also a couple of opioid-like agents, including tramadol and tapentadol. These are not chemically similar to opioids, but include a bit of affinity to the opioid receptor, and can be used to relieve pain.

The 4 chemical classes of opioids

These include:

• Typical opioids, including the 6-hydroxyl group (morphine, codeine, oxycodone and more)
• The benzomorphans
• The diphenylheptanes
• The phenylpiperidines