What Are Opioids Used For?

Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers such as oxycodone (Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine; synthetic opioids including fentanyl; and the illegal drug heroin.^1,2Prescription opioids are prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain and are often prescribed following surgery or injury or for health conditions causing chronic pain, including cancer.^3,4

Prescription opioids are extremely useful in the management of pain, but they can have a dark side. They are among the most abused drugs in the United States as they’re easy to get hold of, readily prescribed, and very addictive—a dangerous combination.

Opioid Side Effects

The biggest advantage to opioids is that they’re very effective at controlling pain, and they’re relatively cheap. Prescription opioids can relieve pain and lead to feelings of relaxation, but they may also have negative effects, including the following:^3,5

Drowsiness.
Confusion.
Nausea.
Constipation.
Slowed breathing/respiratory depression.

Hypoxia can lead to both short- and long-term psychological and neurological effects—including coma, permanent brain damage, and death.^3,5In addition to these side effects, the misuse of prescription opioids may also lead to physical dependence and addiction.^4,6

Dependence and Addiction

People who use prescription opioids over an extended period of time may develop an altered physiological state where they become physically dependent on them. Dependence on opioids is revealed when the user experiences withdrawal symptoms when not using the drugs.⁶The individual will need to stop using opioids gradually in order to avoid withdrawal discomfort.⁶

One of the best-known side effects of prescription opioids is addiction, and it’s surprisingly easy to become addicted without realizing it. Addiction is a disease, but it can result from taking drugs repeatedly, just like dependence.⁶An addiction, also known as a substance use disorder, occurs when a person cannot stop using a drug despite negative consequences impacting health, relationships, employment, and finances.^7,8Opioid addiction is identified as a compulsive urge to use the drugs even when they are not required medically.⁸According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 1 in 4 patients receiving long-term opioid treatment struggles with opioid addiction.⁴

Opioid Overdose

In the United States, more than 130 people die each day from overdosing on opioids.¹²In 2017, more than 70,000 people died due to drug overdoses, with almost 68% of that total attributed to prescription or illicit opioids—47,600 being opioid overdoses.^12-14

If you are concerned that someone is experiencing an overdose, immediately call 911. This will allow for medical attention that may save a life. Medical personnel can administer naloxone, a medicine that can treat an opioid overdose if given immediately.⁵

Effects of Injection Drug Use

Naturally, taking opiates in nonstandard ways increases their side effects. The body is not, for example, designed to cope with a load of powder floating around in the bloodstream, but a number of prescription opioid misusers grind up tablets, mix them with water or alcohol, and inject them. This can lead to heart problems, including long-term heart infections, as well as pulmonary embolisms.⁹

A number of chronic infections, such as viral hepatitis and HIV, can be contracted as a result of unsterile needle techniques in conjunction with the intravenous use of several opioids.^10,11,12 Recently, increased rates of contraction of HIV have been noted in association with the intravenous use of prescription medications such as Opana, or oxymorphone.¹⁰

Opioid Withdrawal Treatment

Opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable. Withdrawal symptoms may include the following:⁵

Muscle and bone pain.
Sleep problems.
Diarrhea and vomiting.
Cold flashes.
Uncontrollable leg movements.
Severe cravings.

Successful treatment often includes supervised detox to maximize comfort and safety during the withdrawal process and minimize the risk of opioid relapse. One strategy to help with withdrawal is medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which includes medication and counseling.⁶There are several medications that can help treat opioid disorders, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.¹These medications help patients manage their opioid use disorders. In addition to the possible use of medication, patients should also attend counseling sessions and undergo therapy to discuss the roots of their drug misuse. Behavioral therapies for prescription opioid misuse can help people adjust their attitudes and behaviors connected to drug use, improve their health and life skills, and continue additional forms of treatment (such as medication).⁵

How to Find Help for Opioid Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to opioids, help is available and recovery is possible. Professional addiction treatment can start anyone battling a substance use disorder on the path to a healthier and happier life. Rehab programs are located throughout the U.S., and many offer specialized treatment that can cater to individual needs. You can use SAMHSA’s Behavioral Services Locator to search for treatment centers. Many state government websites will also provide local drug and alcohol resources to those in need. To find your state government’s website, do a web search for your state name and ‘.gov.’ Once your state website is located, substance use resources shouldn’t be hard to find, and they should provide further phone contacts for your assistance.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment programs and has trusted facilities across the country. To learn more about rehab programs and treatment options with AAC, please contact one of our caring admissions navigators free at .

Effects of Opioid Use: Short-Term, Long-Term, Side Effects, and Treatment