The Facts About Opioids
“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”
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What are Opioids?
Opioids are natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic chemicals that interact with receptors in the body and brain and reduce the perception of pain. In their natural form opioids are derived from the opium poppy plant. Morphine and codeine are natural opioids.
Synthetic and Semi-Synthetic Opioids
Synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, hydrocodone and heroin are created in a lab to mimic the effects of natural opiates. They are developed to be stronger and more potent than natural opiates.
Prescription Opioids
Prescription opioids should be used to treat acute pain and are usually prescribed to people recovering from a serious injury or surgery, chronic pain, active-phase cancer treatment, palliative care and end-of-life care. Many people rely on prescription opioids to help manage their conditions under the care of a physician. Prescription pain relievers include oxycodone (OxyContin) hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and others. Synthetic opioids include fentanyl, methadone, pethidine, tramadol and carfentanil.
Effects and Risks
Opioids reduce the perception of pain, and can also cause drowsiness, confusion, euphoria, nausea and constipation. At high doses they can slow breathing which can lead to death.
The Opioid Crisis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 108,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the 12-month period ending April 2022. Many types of drugs contribute to overdose deaths, however opioids accounted for almost 75% of all drug overdose deaths in 2020. The opioid crisis was declared a nationwide Public Health Emergency on Oct. 27, 2017. By June 2021, synthetic opioids were involved in an estimated 87% of opioid deaths and 65% of all drug overdose deaths.