Opioids

Opioids are a group of natural and synthetic drugs that are made from the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) or synthetic compounds with similar properties [26504][49604]. They can be legal medicines (pharmaceutical opioids) used for pain relief which are prescribed by a doctor (such as fentanyl and oxycodone), or illegal drugs, like heroin [26504]. Opioids are considered depressant drugs because they slow down the messages travelling between the brain and the body.

Opioids are highly addictive and  regular use of these drugs for non-medical purposes can lead to dependence and other health and social problems, including a higher chance of death at a young age [27894].

Some of the health harms from dependent opioid use include; overdose, organ damage, blood-borne viruses from injecting, infertility, dental problems (opioids dry up saliva), and depression [49605].

There are ways to reduce possible harms related to opioid dependence, such as [26504]:

• avoid combining opioids with other depressant drugs like alcohol or benzodiazepines
• using clean needles and other injecting equipment and not sharing with others
• avoid injury by not driving or using machinery while intoxicated
• seek treatment support from a doctor.

In addition to the health costs, the non-medical use of opioids is associated with a number of social and economic costs [23503] [27894]. These include:

• family and community disruption
• harms to the welfare of children
• drug-related crime
• issues with money
• contact with the criminal justice system.