Opioids
A group of drugs that include prescription pain medications and illegal drugs like heroin.
What is it?
Opioids include a range of drugs from prescription pills that are used to treat pain, like hydrocodone (Vicodin) and oxycodone (OxyContin), to fentanyl and illegal substances like heroin, as well as many others. Opioids prescribed by a doctor and illegal opioids like heroin are chemically similar and interact inside the body in the same way—by binding to opioid receptors.
What does it do?
Opioids block feelings of pain and trigger the release of dopamine, which gives our body a rush of good feelings. Opioids can lead to feeling relaxed, sleepy, or even euphoric. But those good feelings don’t last.
What are the risks?
Opioids, even those that come from a doctor, are highly addictive. Even when taking them as prescribed, everyone is at risk of developing a tolerance and becoming dependent or even addicted to them. And this can happen quickly. When we become dependent on opioids, the parts of the brain responsible for releasing feel-good chemicals don’t function normally unless opioids are in our system. You can become dependent on opioids after just FIVE days. Dependency and addiction can happen to anyone, no matter their age, neighborhood, the grades they get, or whether they’re the star of the basketball team.
How can we stay safe?
The best way to avoid the risks of opioids is to avoid them entirely and always take prescription opioids only as directed by your doctor. If you’re experiencing a lot of pain, talk with a doctor about alternatives to opioids. In many cases, Tylenol or Advil can help relieve pain without the risk of addiction.
