What are opioids?
Opioids are a type of drug that can come from different sources. Some are made from a plant called the opium poppy, while others are made partly or completely in a lab (synthetic or semi-synthetic). They include prescription pain medicines and illegal drugs.
Doctors sometimes prescribe opioids to help people manage pain from an injury, illness, or surgery. They can come as pills, skin patches, or shots.
All opioids can be addictive, even when prescribed by a doctor. When someone uses opioids for a long time, their body can get used to the drug. This means they may need to take more to feel the same effect (tolerance), which can be dangerous and lead to overdose.
When a person takes an opioid, it goes into their bloodstream and travels through the body to the brain. There, it connects to special spots called opioid receptors. These receptors cause the brain to release chemicals called endorphins, which causes pleasure and reduces pain.
