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Opioid

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers like oxycodone and morphine, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. They are primarily used to relieve pain by blocking pain signals in the brain and boosting feelings of relaxation and euphoria. This makes them effective for treating serious pain, but it also makes them highly addictive.

When taken as prescribed by a doctor, opioids can help people recover from surgery or manage chronic pain. However, even when used legally, they carry a risk of dependence. Over time, a person’s body can become used to the drug, leading them to need higher doses to feel the same effects. This is where the danger of addiction comes in.

Opioid addiction is a serious problem because it can be difficult to stop once dependence sets in. Some people might start by misusing prescription opioids and then turn to stronger, illegal forms like heroin when they can no longer get their hands on pills. Opioid overdoses are a major health crisis in many places because high doses can slow breathing to the point where it becomes life-threatening.