Opioids: Basic Information

• Opioid Overdose Information from the CDC
• Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness

Opioid Drugs

Opioid are a class of drugs used to reduce pain.

Prescription opioids can be prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain, but can also have serious risks and side effects.

Common types are oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and methadone.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever. It is many times more powerful than other opioids and is approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. Illegally made and distributed fentanyl has been on the rise in several states.

Heroin is an illegal opioid. Heroin use has increased across the U.S. among men and women, most age groups, and all income levels.