What are opioids?

Opioids are highly addictive narcotic substances
commonly prescribed to treat pain.

Common opioids

Gray letter M inside a square, with two curved arrows forming a circle around it.

Codeine

Only available in generic form
Blurry text repeating “Fantasy Dimple” in pink on a beige background.

Fentanyl

Actiq®, Duragesic®, Ventura®
White oval pill with a scored line and the numbers 1 and 3 on each side.

Gabapentin

Neurontin ®

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Example

Hydrocodone/ Acetaminophen

Lortab®, Vicodin®, Lorcet®, Norco®
Gray number 4 centered within a faint circular progress bar on a light background.

Hydromorphone

Dilaudid®, Exalgo®
Gray W inside a square, surrounded by two curved arrows forming a circular shape.

Meperidine

Demerol®
Methadone Example

Methadone

Dolphin®, Methadone®
An orange circle with the letter M inside a square at the center.

Morphine

MS-Contin®, Duramorph®, DepoDur®, Astramorph®
Gray circular timer showing 05 on the left and 52 on the right, split down the middle.

Oxycodone

OxyContin®, Oxecta®, Roxicodone®
A white circle with a horizontal line through the center on a light gray background.

Oxycodone/ Acetaminophen

Percocet®, Endocet®, Roxicet®
Tramadol Example

Tramadol

ConZip®, Ultram®

Why are opioids dangerous?

Our bodies begin to build a tolerance for opioids, meaning we have to take more to get the same effect. People taking opioids for chronic pain are especially at risk because tolerance continues to grow even after the maximum dose has been reached.

Drug tolerance may lead to physical dependency, addiction, abuse, and overdose.

Opioids and the brain

Illustration of a head with a brain filled with colorful pills on a teal background.

Drug tolerance builds because the brain becomes less responsive to opioids the longer it's exposed.

The brain also stops producing natural endorphins, making a person more susceptible to pain and diminishing their ability to feel happy naturally.

When someone stops using opioids, their brain takes time to repair. They may experience intense withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, vomiting, and anxiety.

Prescription opioids are as dangerous as heroin

The molecular composition of prescription opioids is almost identical to that of heroin.

Oxycodone molecule

Oxycodone

Heroin molecule

Heroin

There are safer ways to manage pain. The treatments below have fewer risks and side effects than opioids. 

Safely manage your pain and prescriptions

  • Acupuncture
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Exercise
  • Interventional Therapies (Injections)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
  • Massage Therapy
  • Medication for Depression or Seizures
  • Naproxen (Aleve®)
  • Physical Therapy
  • Speak to your provider about alternative treatments