Opioids or narcotics are pain-relieving medications often prescribed for chronic pain. Opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and morphine. There are also illegal forms of opioids, including heroin.
Opioids come from the opioid plant but may also be synthetic (human-made). Common reasons doctors prescribe opioids include surgery, injury, or cancer treatment. It is also common to prescribe opioids for chronic conditions like arthritis.
The chronic use of opioids can lead to an addiction. People often need to take more and more medication to manage pain. It is also not uncommon to become addicted to the feelings of euphoria opioid medication is known to provide. With time, the addiction must be treated or it can become fatal.
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