Treatment varies, but may include stopping the medication. Medications such as methadone can help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Combining medications with inpatient or support programs is generally more successful. Opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are medicines prescribed by doctors to treat severe or persistent pain. Prescribed opioids are commonly used to help reduce pain in patients with acute or chronic conditions.
They are used by people with chronic headaches and back pain, by patients who are recovering from surgery or who are experiencing severe pain associated with cancer, and by adults and children who have been injured while playing sports or who have been seriously injured in falls, car accidents, or others incidents. Opioids are a family of medications that are generally prescribed to relieve pain, control cough and diarrhea, and treat addiction to other opioids. Opioids are a family of medications that are generally prescribed to relieve pain. Examples include codeine (in Tylenol No.
Other medical uses include controlling cough and diarrhea and treating addiction to other opioids. Opioids are psychoactive substances and are regulated due to their potential for misuse and risk of dependence. Opioids can produce euphoria, making them prone to abuse. Some people use opioids because of their ability to produce a gentle, relaxed “high.” People may misuse opioids by taking higher doses than prescribed, using someone else’s medication, or using them for non-medical reasons. To misuse opioids can lead to serious health problems, including addiction, overdose, and other physical and psychological consequences. Overdose deaths are a significant concern with opioid misuse. The increasing number of overdoses, especially involving synthetic opioids, highlights the importance of emergency response and timely intervention to prevent overdose death.
Opioid addiction is a serious health problem. Risk factors such as a history of substance abuse, mental health disorders, and certain socio-economic conditions can put individuals at higher risk for opioid overdose and opioid use disorder.
Treatment options for opioid use disorder include counseling, medications like methadone or buprenorphine, and support programs. A comprehensive treatment plan is important for those with opioid use disorder, and there are various treatments available to treat opioid dependence and addiction.
From a public health perspective, prevention efforts focus on education, safe prescribing practices, and access to treatment. Monitoring drug use and implementing strategies to reduce health problems associated with opioid misuse are essential to address the opioid crisis.
How Opioids Work
Opioids work by attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found on nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. When someone takes an opioid drug, these receptors are activated, blocking pain signals and providing powerful pain relief. This is why prescription opioids are often used by health care providers to manage severe pain, chronic pain, or pain after surgery or injury.
However, while opioids can be very effective for pain relief, they also carry significant risks. The use of opioids—even when prescribed—can lead to opioid dependence, where the body adapts to the drug and needs it to function normally. Over time, this can develop into opioid use disorder, a condition recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which involves problematic patterns of opioid use that cause distress or impairment. Opioid addiction is a serious health problem that can result from repeated use, especially when opioids are misused or taken for longer periods than prescribed.
Opioid misuse and opioid abuse are major drivers of the opioid crisis, leading to thousands of overdose deaths each year. Opioid overdose can cause slow or shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, and even death. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are especially dangerous because they are highly addictive and much more potent than most opioids. Illicit drugs such as heroin, which is derived from the opium poppy plant, also act on opioid receptors and are associated with a high risk of overdose and substance use disorders.
When someone stops taking opioids after a long period, they may experience opioid withdrawal symptoms, including worsening pain, anxiety, and physical discomfort. These withdrawal symptoms can be managed with medications and support from health professionals. Treatment options for opioid use disorder often include medications like methadone or buprenorphine, counseling, and behavioral therapies, all of which are supported by organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Because of the risks associated with opioid drugs, it is essential to use opioids only as prescribed and to work closely with health care providers to manage pain safely. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction or substance use disorder, resources are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Library of Medicine, and other health and human services organizations. By understanding how opioids work and the risks involved, we can help prevent opioid misuse, reduce overdose deaths, and support those affected by opioid dependence and addiction.
