What is an Opioid?
Opioids are a category of drugs that include both natural (opiate) and synthetic substances, such as morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone, used to treat pain. While effective for pain management, opioids carry a high risk of addiction due to their euphoric effects and potential for physical dependency. Misuse of opioids can lead to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and severe health issues, including overdose.
Treatment for opioid addiction includes medical detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and therapy to support long-term recovery.