Opioids are powerful drugs that often spark strong opinions because of their benefits and risks. Before taking a stance, it helps to know exactly what opioids are and how they work. This article explains what opioids do, how they work, their side effects, and the main dangers to watch for.
What are opioids?
Opioids are a group of drugs used to treat moderate to severe pain. Often called narcotics, most opioids require a prescription and aren’t available over the counter. Some illegal drugs, like heroin, are also part of the opioid family because they relieve pain in similar ways.
Common reasons doctors prescribe opioids include:
– Chronic pain (for example, ongoing back pain or severe headaches)
– Pain after surgery
– Cancer-related pain
– Pain from accidents or injuries
How they work
Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, gut, and other parts of the body. That attachment reduces the pain signals sent to the brain. Though individual opioids vary, they all act on the same basic system.
Common opioid medications
Opioids come from natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic sources. Common examples include:
– Percocet (contains oxycodone), often called “Percs,” prescribed for moderate to severe pain but can lead to addiction.
– Hydrocodone (found in Vicodin and Norco), sometimes called “Vikes” or “Hydros,” used for pain and often combined with acetaminophen; it carries a high risk of dependence.
– Morphine, used in hospitals for severe pain after surgery or during cancer care.
– Heroin, an illegal derivative of morphine, known to be highly addictive and dangerous.
– Fentanyl, an extremely strong opioid available by prescription but also produced illegally; it’s very powerful and very risky.
Side effects
Side effects can be physical or mental and vary by drug, dose, and person.
Physical side effects can include:
– Drowsiness
– Constipation
– Nausea
– Slow or shallow breathing
– Dizziness
– Slowed heart rate
– Loss of consciousness
Mental and emotional side effects can include:
– Insomnia
– Anxiety
– Euphoria
– Confusion
– Mood swings
Even when used as prescribed, opioids can pose serious health risks.
Dangers of opioids
Using opioids without careful medical supervision increases risk. The most serious danger is death from overdose or respiratory depression. Addiction is very common and can lead to severe physical, mental, and social harm.
Tolerance can develop quickly, meaning users need larger doses to get the same effect, and strong cravings can follow. Addiction involves both physical changes and psychological effects.
Treatments do exist—modern approaches, including options like ANR treatment, can be effective—yet preventing addiction is usually much easier than treating it.
Final thoughts
Opioids are effective for pain but come with serious risks. Key points to remember:
– Opioids are primarily prescribed for pain relief.
– Common opioids include Percocet, hydrocodone, morphine, heroin, and fentanyl.
– The greatest risks are fatal overdose and addiction, both of which can have devastating consequences.