Addiction to opioids and opiates has grown into one of the most urgent public health issues in Native communities. What begins as a prescription for pain relief after an injury or illness can quickly develop into physical dependence and, over time, a full substance use disorder. Whether it’s prescription pain medications like oxycodone or a semisynthetic opioid like hydrocodone, or illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl, these opioid drugs carry a high risk of drug abuse, opioid dependence, overdose death, and long-term harm.
The opioid crisis has led to rising death rates from drug overdoses, especially in Native communities where historical trauma, poverty, and lack of access to health care increase vulnerability. Tragically, many of these deaths are preventable drug overdoses. At Aliya Native Americans Program, we believe in bringing together modern medical treatment with traditional healing practices to save lives and restore balance for individuals, families, and entire tribal nations.
What Are Opioids?
The term opioid refers to a class of drugs that act on opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain. They include:
- Prescription opioid drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl
- Illegal opioids such as heroin
- Semisynthetic opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone)
- Synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl)
- Naturally derived opiates such as morphine and codeine
While opioids can be effective as a pain reliever, misuse is dangerous. Opioids can cause slowed breathing, sedation, and in high doses, a fatal drug overdose.
What Are Opiates?
Opiates are a subset of opioids that are naturally derived from the opium poppy. These include morphine, codeine, and opium. While often prescribed in medical settings, opiates carry the same risks of opioid tolerance, physical dependence, opiate withdrawal, and substance abuse as their synthetic counterparts.
Opiate vs. Opioid
The terms opiate or opioid are often used interchangeably, but they are not identical:
Opiates = natural substances from the opium poppy (morphine, codeine, opium).
Opioids = all drugs (natural, semi-synthetic, synthetic) that act on opioid receptors.
In other words, every opiate is an opioid, but not every opioid is an opiate.
Opioid Addiction and Dependence
Opioid dependence develops when the body adapts to regular opioid use and opioid exposure, leading to tolerance and withdrawal when not taking opioids. Addiction goes beyond dependence, involving compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences.
Signs of opioid addiction may include:
- Intense cravings for opioid drugs
- Taking opioids in higher doses or longer than prescribed
- Experiencing opioids withdrawal symptoms when stopping
- Neglecting work, family, or cultural responsibilities
- Using opioids to cope with trauma, stress, or mental illness
If you or a loved one are struggling with these symptoms, professional treatment for opioid addiction is essential.
Opiate and Opioid Addictions We Treat
At Aliya Native Americans Program, we provide compassionate, individualized care for a wide range of substance use disorders related to both opiates and opioids, including:
- Fentanyl Addiction – a synthetic opioid 50–100 times stronger than morphine, responsible for most opioid overdose deaths.
- Heroin Addiction – highly addictive and linked to high risk of overdose.
- Oxycodone & Hydrocodone Addiction – widely prescribed pain medications that can quickly lead to misuse and opioid tolerance.
- Morphine & Codeine Addiction – natural opiates with legitimate medical uses but strong addictive potential.
- Opium Addiction – less common today but still capable of causing severe drug abuse and dependency.
The Effects of Opioid Addiction
The effects of opioid misuse extend far beyond the body. Opioid drugs impact:
Physical Health – slowed breathing, organ damage, infectious diseases, and fatal drug overdose deaths.
Mental Health – worsened mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Community Health – loss of culture, fractured families, and cycles of trauma.
Addiction becomes a health emergency when it leads to repeated overdoses or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. But treatment and cultural healing can prevent these outcomes.
Opioid Addiction and Mental Health
There is a strong link between substance abuse and mental health. Many people struggling with substance abuse also live with mental illness, including depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Sometimes, opioids are used to numb the pain of unresolved trauma—but this creates a cycle of worsening abuse and mental health struggles.
At Aliya, we provide dual diagnosis care, addressing both substance abuse and mental health disorders at the same time. Healing requires treating the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction at Aliya Native Americans Program
Effective treatment of opioid addiction blends research-based medicine with cultural practices. At our health facility, you’ll find:
- Medical Detox – safe management of opiate withdrawal and opioids withdrawal symptoms under the supervision of health professionals.
- Residential Treatment – 30–90 days of structured care focusing on relapse prevention, trauma healing, and restoring balance.
- Outpatient & Aftercare Programs – long-term support to reduce relapse risk and strengthen community ties.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – FDA-approved medications to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal, and stabilize recovery.
- Cultural Healing Practices – talking circles, ceremonies, storytelling, and reconnecting with Native traditions to address spiritual wounds.
Our approach is holistic, combining the wisdom of tradition with the tools of modern health care.
Opioid Crisis and Prevention
According to the Department of Health, tens of thousands of opioid overdose deaths occur each year in the U.S., with Native populations disproportionately affected. The high death rates show the urgency of this health emergency.
Yet recovery is possible, and prevention is key. By learning the effects of opioid drugs, recognizing signs of addiction, and getting early treatment for opioid misuse, we can reduce the risk of overdose and save lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Historical trauma, economic hardship, and limited access to health facility resources increase vulnerability to substance abuse and opioid dependence.
Opioid withdrawal causes symptoms like anxiety, sweating, nausea, body aches, and cravings. Though painful, these symptoms can be managed safely with medical detox.
Yes, opioids prescribed by health professionals can be effective as a pain reliever. However, long-term taking opioids increases the risk of overdose and dependence.
Yes. With research-based medicine, cultural healing, and ongoing support, people can achieve long-term recovery from opiate and opioid addiction.
Begin Healing Today
The opioid crisis has left a heavy mark on Native communities, but healing is possible. At Aliya Native Americans Program, we provide compassionate, culturally grounded care for anyone struggling with opiate or opioid use disorders.
If you or a loved one are battling substance use disorders, don’t wait until it becomes a health emergency. Reach out to our program today and begin your journey of healing, recovery, and reconnection to culture. Together, we can reduce drug overdose deaths, strengthen communities, and save lives.