What are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others.
Prescription pain medicines are helpful when used correctly under a healthcare provider’s direction. However, misusing prescription opioids risks dependence and addiction.
Opioids Kill. Here’s How an Overdose Shuts Down Your Body
SCIENCE NEWS (04/10) – U.S. deaths from opioid overdoses are mounting with breathtaking speed. These powerful drugs — including heroin, morphine, and fentanyl — can relieve pain and evoke intense feelings of pleasure. But the same drugs, whether prescribed by a doctor or bought on the street, can quickly turn deadly by simultaneously messing with crucial systems in the body. Read more
Prescription Opioids
In addition to the serious risks of addiction, abuse, and overdose, the use of prescription opioids can have many side effects, even when taken as directed.
Prescription Pain Medications: Opioids Guide for Teens
Fentanyl
Fentanyl and similar compounds like carfentanil are powerful synthetic opioids — 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. High doses of opioids, especially potent opioids such as fentanyl, can cause breathing to stop completely, which can lead to death.
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive drug made from morphine, which comes from opium poppy plants. Some prescription opioid pain medicines have effects similar to heroin. Research suggests that misuse of these drugs may open the door to heroin use.
Drugs of Abuse, A DEA Resource Guide: 2017 Edition
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) resource guide is designed to be a reliable resource on the most commonly abused and misused drugs in the United States. This comprehensive guide provides important information about the harms and consequences of drug use.
Understanding Addiction
Many people don’t understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. Understand Drug Use and Addiction