Understand

What are opioids?

Opioids (oh-pee-oyds) are a class of drugs that include illegal drugs like heroin, as well as prescription pain medications including oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and many others.  Opioids are drugs that act on nerve cells in the brain and body and can relieve pain, but when taken in larger amounts can also create euphoria (or a “high”) and can put someone at risk for overdose and death.

 

Prescription Opioids

Medical providers may prescribe opioids to relieve moderate to severe pain. Opioid pain relievers are usually safe when taken for short periods of time and as prescribed by a medical professional (doctor, dentist, etc.).  Even when taken as prescribed, opioids have risk for side effects.  Common side effects include: sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, itching, and constipation.  With continued use, hormone levels are often affected and men may experience low levels of testosterone that can affect sex drive and the ability to have sex.  Women may experience irregular menstrual cycles.  Additionally, people who take opioids regularly are likely to develop tolerance (higher doses of the medication are needed to provide the same level of pain relief) and withdrawal symptoms (flu-like symptoms when someone stops or misses a dose of the medication).

 

Opioid pain medications can be misused

When taken at higher doses than prescribed, more frequently than prescribed, or if taking someone else’s medication, they can produce euphoria (positive sensations) in addition to pain relief.  Additionally, when opioids are taken in large amounts, they can cause someone to stop breathing and even die.
When opioids are mixed with other “downers” like alcohol or benzodiazepines (medicines that are sometimes used for anxiety treatment), risk for overdose and death goes up even more.