Opioids

Opioids are natural and synthetic drugs that include both prescription medications used to treat pain (like after surgery) and drugs such as illicitly manufactured fentanyl and heroin. They activate an area in the brain and body called opioid receptors that block pain signals between the brain and the body.

Examples of opioids

• Fentanyl (Learn more)

• Morphine

• Heroin

• Codeine

• Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet)

• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)

Common forms

• Pills (both prescription and counterfeit)

• Powders or patches

• Mixed into street drugs

“Youth opioid use is linked to risky behaviors like not using a condom, and that can lead to HIV, STDs, and unintended pregnancy.” – CDC

Short-term

effects and risks

Opioids, including fentanyl, affect your brain and body quickly. 

    • Slow, shallow breathing

    • Drowsiness or unconsciousness

    • Nausea and vomiting

    • Confusion or slurred speech

    • Feelings of extreme happiness (euphoria), followed by heavy drowsiness

    • Poor judgment and increased risk-taking

Risk of overdose

Learn more

    • Extreme drowsiness

    • Difficulty walking and talking

    • Blue or grey lips or nails

    • Pinpoint (very small) pupils

    • Cold and clammy skin

    • dizziness and confusion

    • Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds

    • Slow, weak, or no breathing

    • Inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at

If you think someone is suffering from an opioid overdose, administer Narcan and call 911 immediately.

Long-term

effects

Opioids change how your brain works, making it harder to feel good without them. Since they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused and lead to an opioid use disorder (OUD).

    • Organ damage (e.g., liver and lungs)

    • A weakened immune system

    • Increased tolerance, leading to the need for higher doses

    • Depression, anxiety, and isolation

    • Difficulty focusing or maintaining relationships

Harm reduction

Learn more

  • If something goes wrong, someone else can call for help.

  • Combining opioids with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of overdose.

  • This life-saving medication can reverse an opioid overdose.

  • While fentanyl test strips have the potential to reduce fatalities, they are not 100% reliable and do not guarantee the safety of a drug. The concentration of fentanyl in counterfeit pills is inconsistent, so testing a portion of a pill may not accurately detect fentanyl.

Taking steps to reduce harm from substance use or misuse can save lives