What are Opioids?

- Fentanyl
- Methadone
What are Opiates?
Opiates only include naturally occurring opioid drugs. This includes:- Heroin
- Morphine
- Codeine
Is the Difference Between Opioids and Opiates Important?

Risk of Overdose with Synthetic Opioids
Accidental overdoses on synthetic opioids are an increasing problem in the United States. People buying drugs illegally on the streets do not always know what they are getting. Sometimes they think the drug is heroin, when in fact it is the much stronger fentanyl. They take the same amount of fentanyl as they would have heroin resulting in accidental overdose.[2]Signs of Opioid and Opiate Addiction
There are signs that indicate if a person has developed an opioid addiction. Addiction occurs when a person takes these drugs on a regular basis for extended periods of time. Eventually, the body and brain get used to having opioids and develop a tolerance to them. This means that a person needs more and more drugs in order to achieve the desired effect.Signs of opioid abuse or addiction include:- Strong cravings or urges to use opioids
- Irritability
- Mood changes

- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Muscle pains
- Anxiety
Getting Help for Opioid or Opiate Addiction
While opioid addiction is difficult and ruins countless lives, there is treatment available. A good treatment plan for overcoming opioid addiction includes medical detox, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation. During treatment, people will participate in different forms of therapy to determine the root cause of their addiction as well as learn coping mechanisms.It is important to get help as soon as possible for opioid addiction. At Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment, we strive to provide you with the best care possible. Our caring counselors work with you every step of the way to develop a treatment plan that suits your unique needs. With our help, you will be on the road to recovery from opioid addiction. Contact us today to get started with our opioid rehab program in Massachusetts.References:Is There a Difference Between Opioids and Opiates?

The terms opioids and opiates are often used interchangeably to refer to prescription pain-relieving drugs or narcotics. So is there actually a difference between the two? Opioids and opiates, although similar in function, include different drugs and have varying uses. Understanding the properties of both classifications of drugs is important as they are highly addictive drugs. Knowing how they work allows people to be aware of addiction risks as well as identify if they are abusing these drugs.
What are Opioids?
Opioids include all classes of opioid pain relief drugs. This includes natural opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine.[1] It also includes synthetic or semisynthetic opioids, meaning those that are manufactured in a lab. Examples of synthetic and semisynthetic opioids include:
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
Fentanyl and methadone are both approved for medical use in the United States, but there are labs across the country that produce them illegally.[2] When these drugs are administered in a medical setting, they are entirely synthetic. Ones produced illegally and sold on the streets are sometimes entirely synthetic and other times include synthetics or additives as well as natural opioids.
Synthetic opioids are more potent than their natural counterparts. They produce intense feelings of euphoria and relaxation in addition to the intended medical use of pain relief.[3] This higher potency increases the risk of accidental overdose and death. The opioid drugs that are produced and sold illegally are especially dangerous. This is because there is no quality control in the illegal labs, meaning other harmful substances are often found in those opioids.[2]
What are Opiates?
Opiates only include naturally occurring opioid drugs. This includes:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Codeine
Natural opiates are a product of opium poppy flowers. The seeds of these flowers are used to extract opium, which is then manufactured into heroin, morphine, or codeine.[3] The terms “opiate” and “opioid” are used interchangeably only when referring to these naturally sourced drugs.[1]
Although these forms of opioids are less potent than their synthetic counterparts, they are still highly addictive. Opiates produce the same feelings of euphoria and overall well-being as all other opioids do.[3]
Is the Difference Between Opioids and Opiates Important?
There are no real important differentiating characteristics between opiates and opioids, as opiates are also included under the term, “opioid.” Both opiates and opioids act on the same part of the brain by blocking opiate receptors to reduce pain and produce feel-good sensations. The primary difference lies in whether or not these drugs are natural vs. synthetic, and, sometimes, that determines their potency.
Synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids are stronger than naturally produced opiates. This means that less of the drug is needed to produce the desired effect. However, this is incredibly dangerous where someone is abusing these drugs as they can accidentally overdose by taking too much of it. For example, fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is thought to be 50 times stronger than heroin, a naturally occurring opiate.[2]

Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Risk of Overdose with Synthetic Opioids
Accidental overdoses on synthetic opioids are an increasing problem in the United States. People buying drugs illegally on the streets do not always know what they are getting. Sometimes they think the drug is heroin, when in fact it is the much stronger fentanyl. They take the same amount of fentanyl as they would have heroin resulting in accidental overdose.[2]
Signs of Opioid and Opiate Addiction
There are signs that indicate if a person has developed an opioid addiction. Addiction occurs when a person takes these drugs on a regular basis for extended periods of time. Eventually, the body and brain get used to having opioids and develop a tolerance to them. This means that a person needs more and more drugs in order to achieve the desired effect.
Signs of opioid abuse or addiction include:
- Strong cravings or urges to use opioids
- Irritability
- Mood changes
Another tell-tale sign of addiction is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when someone does try to quit using opioids. The occurrence of withdrawal symptoms means that a person is dependent on the drug. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Muscle pains
- Anxiety
Getting Help for Opioid or Opiate Addiction
While opioid addiction is difficult and ruins countless lives, there is treatment available. A good treatment plan for overcoming opioid addiction includes medical detox, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation. During treatment, people will participate in different forms of therapy to determine the root cause of their addiction as well as learn coping mechanisms.
It is important to get help as soon as possible for opioid addiction. At Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment, we strive to provide you with the best care possible. Our caring counselors work with you every step of the way to develop a treatment plan that suits your unique needs. With our help, you will be on the road to recovery from opioid addiction. Contact us today to get started with our opioid rehab program in Massachusetts.
aetna
anthem
beacon
blue cross blue shield
cigna
harvard
health net
horizon
tricare
tufts
tufts health plan
UMR
Unicare
united healthcare
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Inessa Maloney, MS, LMHC
Clinical Director
- Specializes in outpatient services with a focus on substance abuse
- Expertise in reality-based therapy, CBT/DBT, and motivational interviewing
- Holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling
Check Your Insurance Coverage
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Treatment Programs
Begin The Journey To Lasting Recovery
We believe everyone struggling with substance use disorder deserves the treatment they need. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
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Does Insurance Cover Rehab in Massachusetts?

The cost of rehab is one major obstacle that stands in the way of people seeking help for addiction. Many people who seek treatment do so because they are suffering from a severe addiction, and, as a result, may be low on money and financial resources. After all, many people who suffer from addiction spend excess money on their substances and get themselves in poor financial shape.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, longer treatment programs are directly associated with positive treatment outcomes. In fact, they suggest that a 90-day program is the minimum amount of time a person should receive treatment for substance abuse.[1] While 90 days may not seem like a long time in the grand scheme of things, 90 days is a long time to be responsible for paying for treatment. And, the longer you spend in rehab, the more expensive you can expect your bill to be.
This leaves many people like you wondering whether or not your insurance will cover rehab in Massachusetts. While each person’s insurance coverage varies, the good news is all health insurance providers are required to cover substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
Understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The primary reason you can be sure your insurance will cover rehab in Massachusetts is due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA was originally passed in 2010 and is a health care system law that accomplished many things. The ACA:
- No longer considers addiction and mental illness pre-existing conditions for insurance purposes
- Sponsors insurance plans that are for sale on a sliding-scale basis on the Health Insurance Marketplace
- Provides need-based tax credits to low-income individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford health insurance
These provisions make it so that addiction treatment coverage is just as complete and comprehensive as coverage is for any other medical procedure or treatment. This rule applies to both private health insurance plans and ones purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Lastly, the ACA reduces addiction rehab costs, increases options for treatment, and extends benefits provided by group employee insurance plans.[2]
Regardless of whether you get your insurance from a private entity, your workplace, or state or federal medical plans, your insurance should cover some portion of drug and alcohol rehab in Massachusetts.
Substance Abuse Treatment Services Covered by the ACA in Massachusetts
As a result of the introduction of the ACA in 2010, health insurance providers cannot discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions or deny coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. Health insurance plans must provide coverage for:
- Medical detox services – Detox may involve inpatient and overnight stays, medications, and around-the-clock support.
- Inpatient behavioral health services – Inpatient rehab can last 30, 60, or 90 days and involves individualized counseling, treatment medications, and housing.
- Outpatient counseling – Outpatient programs involve group and individual therapy as well as medication management on a flexible and affordable basis.
Only services that are deemed medically necessary are required to be covered by your insurance. Additional services, such as acupuncture, massage, recreation programs, or meal plans are less likely to be covered by your plan. Instead, you may be responsible for those out-of-pocket costs.
Finding a Rehab Facility that is In-Network With Your Insurance Provider
While the ACA mandates insurance companies to cover mental health and addiction rehab services, it does not specify whether or not they have to provide coverage for all facilities. For instance, your insurance provider may cover treatment at one rehab in Massachusetts but not the next. That is because there are in-network and out-of-network options. In-network options are usually cheaper.
To figure out who is in-network with your insurance provider, you can do one of two things:
- Contact your insurance provider and ask them which facilities are in-network with your insurance plan.
- Speak to an admissions counselor and let them verify your insurance.
Dealing with insurance companies can be confusing and stressful, so we always recommend the latter. Plus, an admissions coordinator can help match you with the right rehab facility so you are able to obtain affordable and quality care.

Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Verify Your Insurance and Start Rehab in Massachusetts Today
If you’re wondering whether or not your insurance will cover rehab in Massachusetts, we can help. Our dedicated admissions counselors are standing by, ready to take your call, verify your insurance, learn about your treatment needs, and help you begin your recovery journey. Don’t wait any longer. Affordable and effective rehab that doesn’t break the bank is only a phone call away.
aetna
anthem
beacon
blue cross blue shield
cigna
harvard
health net
horizon
tricare
tufts
tufts health plan
UMR
Unicare
united healthcare
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Inessa Maloney, MS, LMHC
Clinical Director
- Specializes in outpatient services with a focus on substance abuse
- Expertise in reality-based therapy, CBT/DBT, and motivational interviewing
- Holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling
Check Your Insurance Coverage
"*" indicates required fields
Treatment Programs
Begin The Journey To Lasting Recovery
We believe everyone struggling with substance use disorder deserves the treatment they need. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
"*" indicates required fields
