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Opioids

Sounds Like: oh.pee.OYDZ

Classification: Narcotics

Controlled Substance Act Schedule: I, II, III, IV, IV

Other names for Opioids

  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Morphine
  • Fentanyl
  • Codeine
  • Tramadol

Opioids Addiction

What are Opioids?

Opioids are drugs used to treat and relieve moderate-to-severe pain. They belong to a class of drugs called narcotics and can be naturally found in the opium poppy plant (opiates like morphine and codeine),  or synthetically created in laboratories (fentanyl). Opioids work by blocking pain signals in the brain.

When ingested, the drugs attach to opioid receptors in different parts of the brain and body and replace pain with a powerful “high” that makes users feel relaxed and happy. Opioids are available as prescription medications or manufactured illegally and sold on the streets by drug dealers.

How Does Addiction to Opioids Work?

Due to their relaxing and pain-relieving effects, opioids have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Regular use of these prescription drugs can lead to an increased tolerance of their effects. As a result, people might have to take more of the drug to experience the initial “high.”

After an extended period of opioid use, many people might experience intense cravings and feel sick for weeks at a time if they try to stop using the drugs. These are signs of chemical dependence on opioids that have led to mental and physical withdrawal. Many people will continue using opioids to make the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms go away, which leaves them at risk of experiencing a fatal overdose.

It’s recommended for any person experiencing opioid withdrawal to receive medically supervised detox at an addiction treatment center to safely remove the drug from their system.

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Intended Use of Opioids

Opioids are commonly prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain. They’re also illegally sold on the streets for people trying to experience the powerful “high.”

How Opioids Is Taken

Opioids are commonly taken by mouth in pill form. Other formulations include:

Take opioids as prescribed by a doctor.

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Side Effects of
Opioids

Call a doctor immediately if any side effects become severe.

  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Dry (cotton) mouth
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Skin irritation

Signs of an
Addiction to Opioids

Intense, uncontrollable cravings

Physical, flu-like withdrawal symptoms when attempting to limit usage or quit

Choosing usage over quality time with family or friends

Legal or financial problems (arrest or loss of employment)

Stealing money or items to buy opioids

Lying to doctors of therapists to get more opioids

Opioids
Abuse Facts

On average, 44 people died each day from prescription opioid overdose in 2020

Two out of every three teenagers abusing prescription opioids said they got them from a loved one

Norton City, Virginia had the highest opioid dispensing rate per 100 people (406.7) in 2020