Other Prescription Opioids

"Other Prescription Opioids" refers to a class of powerful painkillers that are legally prescribed by doctors but are also widely misused. These drugs are a major part of the ongoing opioid crisis. Common examples include:

Oxycodone (brand names: OxyContin, Percocet)
Hydrocodone (brand name: Vicodin)
Codeine (often found in prescription cough syrups and pain relievers)
Morphine (used for severe pain)

Here is a general overview of this class of substances:

What They Are and How They Work in the Body

Prescription opioids are a class of drugs that are chemically similar to heroin and fentanyl. They are designed to manage moderate to severe pain. When a person takes a prescription opioid, the drug binds to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. This action:

Blocks Pain Signals: It effectively reduces the perception of pain.
Releases Dopamine: It causes a powerful release of dopamine in the brain's reward centers, which creates a feeling of euphoria and well-being.

This combination of pain relief and pleasure is what makes them so effective for medical use but also gives them a high potential for addiction.

Appearance and Forms

Prescription opioids almost always come in the form of pills or tablets. They have various colors, shapes, and imprints that identify the drug and its dosage. It's important to note that illegally sold pills are often counterfeit and may contain lethal amounts of other drugs, like fentanyl.

Signs of Use

When a person is using prescription opioids, signs may include:

Physical: Drowsiness, slowed or shallow breathing, small or "pinpoint" pupils, and constipation.
Behavioral: A state of euphoria or extreme relaxation, a feeling of detachment, and a lack of motivation.
Withdrawal Symptoms: When the effects wear off, a person may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including muscle and bone pain, restlessness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Significant Risks and Other Important Information

The misuse of prescription opioids carries serious risks:

Severe Addiction and Dependence: They are highly addictive. It is easy for a person to develop a physical dependence, requiring more of the drug to feel normal and to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.
High Risk of Overdose: An overdose can occur when the drug suppresses breathing to a point where the person can no longer get enough oxygen. This risk is dramatically increased when prescription opioids are combined with other central nervous system depressants, especially alcohol or benzodiazepines.
The Danger of Illicit Pills: Opioids acquired without a prescription are extremely dangerous. Many counterfeit pills sold on the street contain unknown and potentially lethal amounts of fentanyl, leading to a very high risk of accidental overdose.
Legal Consequences: Possessing or using prescription opioids without a valid prescription is illegal and can result in severe legal penalties.

Other Prescription Opioids

"Other Prescription Opioids" refers to a class of powerful painkillers that are legally prescribed by doctors but are also widely misused. These drugs are a major part of the ongoing opioid crisis. Common examples include:

Oxycodone (brand names: OxyContin, Percocet)

Hydrocodone (brand name: Vicodin)

Codeine (often found in prescription cough syrups and pain relievers)

Morphine (used for severe pain)

Here is a general overview of this class of substances:

What They Are and How They Work in the Body

Prescription opioids are a class of drugs that are chemically similar to heroin and fentanyl. They are designed to manage moderate to severe pain. When a person takes a prescription opioid, the drug binds to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. This action:

Blocks Pain Signals: It effectively reduces the perception of pain.

Releases Dopamine: It causes a powerful release of dopamine in the brain's reward centers, which creates a feeling of euphoria and well-being.

This combination of pain relief and pleasure is what makes them so effective for medical use but also gives them a high potential for addiction.

Appearance and Forms

Prescription opioids almost always come in the form of pills or tablets. They have various colors, shapes, and imprints that identify the drug and its dosage. It's important to note that illegally sold pills are often counterfeit and may contain lethal amounts of other drugs, like fentanyl.

Signs of Use

When a person is using prescription opioids, signs may include:

Physical: Drowsiness, slowed or shallow breathing, small or "pinpoint" pupils, and constipation.

Behavioral: A state of euphoria or extreme relaxation, a feeling of detachment, and a lack of motivation.

Withdrawal Symptoms: When the effects wear off, a person may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including muscle and bone pain, restlessness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Significant Risks and Other Important Information

The misuse of prescription opioids carries serious risks:

Severe Addiction and Dependence: They are highly addictive. It is easy for a person to develop a physical dependence, requiring more of the drug to feel normal and to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.

The Danger of Illicit Pills: Opioids acquired without a prescription are extremely dangerous. Many counterfeit pills sold on the street contain unknown and potentially lethal amounts of fentanyl, leading to a very high risk of accidental overdose.

Legal Consequences: Possessing or using prescription opioids without a valid prescription is illegal and can result in severe legal penalties.

If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription opioid use, it is critical to seek professional help immediately.

Other Prescription Opioids

"Other Prescription Opioids" refers to a class of powerful painkillers that are legally prescribed by doctors but are also widely misused. These drugs are a major part of the ongoing opioid crisis. Common examples include:

Oxycodone (brand names: OxyContin, Percocet)

Hydrocodone (brand name: Vicodin)

Codeine (often found in prescription cough syrups and pain relievers)

Morphine (used for severe pain)

Here is a general overview of this class of substances:

What They Are and How They Work in the Body

Prescription opioids are a class of drugs that are chemically similar to heroin and fentanyl. They are designed to manage moderate to severe pain. When a person takes a prescription opioid, the drug binds to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. This action:

Blocks Pain Signals: It effectively reduces the perception of pain.

Releases Dopamine: It causes a powerful release of dopamine in the brain's reward centers, which creates a feeling of euphoria and well-being.

This combination of pain relief and pleasure is what makes them so effective for medical use but also gives them a high potential for addiction.

Appearance and Forms

Prescription opioids almost always come in the form of pills or tablets. They have various colors, shapes, and imprints that identify the drug and its dosage. It's important to note that illegally sold pills are often counterfeit and may contain lethal amounts of other drugs, like fentanyl.

Signs of Use

When a person is using prescription opioids, signs may include:

Physical: Drowsiness, slowed or shallow breathing, small or "pinpoint" pupils, and constipation.

Behavioral: A state of euphoria or extreme relaxation, a feeling of detachment, and a lack of motivation.

Withdrawal Symptoms: When the effects wear off, a person may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including muscle and bone pain, restlessness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Significant Risks and Other Important Information

The misuse of prescription opioids carries serious risks:

Severe Addiction and Dependence: They are highly addictive. It is easy for a person to develop a physical dependence, requiring more of the drug to feel normal and to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.

The Danger of Illicit Pills: Opioids acquired without a prescription are extremely dangerous. Many counterfeit pills sold on the street contain unknown and potentially lethal amounts of fentanyl, leading to a very high risk of accidental overdose.

Legal Consequences: Possessing or using prescription opioids without a valid prescription is illegal and can result in severe legal penalties.

If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription opioid use, it is critical to seek professional help immediately.

Benzodiazepines