Opioids are a class of drugs that are used to reduce pain. They work by activating an area of nerve cells in the brain and body called opioid receptors that block pain signals between the brain and the body. Opioids can be prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain, but they can also have serious risks and side effects. Some people use opioids because of the euphoria (“high”) they can produce, but opioids can cause addiction, also known as opioid use disorder (OUD) .

Examples of opioids include:

• Morphine
• Heroin
• Codeine
• Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
• Fentanyl
• Methadone
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®)
• Oxymorphone (Opana®)
• Tramadol
• Buprenorphine

It is important to note that prescription opioids are generally safe when taken for a short time and as directed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused and have addiction potential. Misusing prescription opioids can be dangerous because opioids can be highly addictive, and overdoses and death are common.