Opioid Crisis: Opioids

• Some opioids are drugs that are “naturally found in the opium poppy plant and that work in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including the relief of pain..." (John Hopkins Medicine).
• Other opioids are synthetic (man-made).
• “When used correctly under a health care provider's direction, prescription pain medicines are helpful. However, misusing prescription opioids risks dependence and addiction" (U.S. Dept. of Heath and Human Services).
• In addition to prescription opioids, there are also illegal formulations.
• All forms of opioids can be addictive.

Legal Opioids

• Codeine
• Fentanyl (Duragesic)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Methadone (Dolophine)
• Morphine
• Oxycodone (OxyCotin, Percocet)

Illegal Opioids

• Fentanyl analogs (e.g., carfentanil)
• Heroin

• Opioids work by attaching to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gut. In doing so, opioids reduce the sending of pain messages to the brain.
• In addition to relieving pain, opioids can cause serious side effects (such as a sense of euphoria, shallow or slowed breathing, weak pulse, low blood pressure, sleepiness, constipation, and nausea).

Additional information on how opioids work is available from these sources:

• Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit (SAMHSA)
• Be Aware, Be Prepared (ADAPT Pharma)
• Prescription Opioids (CDC)

• Opioids are commonly prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain (short-term and long-term). Often for these reasons:
  • Surgery or injury
  • Cancer
  • Chronic pain (back pain, osteoarthritis, etc.)
• According to the CDC, 191 million prescription opioids were dispensed in the U.S. in 2017.
• The use of opioids without a prescription is considered illicit use.
• Prescription opioid misuse, abuse, and addiction can lead to more serious drugs (like heroin and fentanyl).