Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that derive from, or mimic, natural substances found in the opium poppy plant. Opioids work in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including pain relief.

Opioid drugs include prescription pain medicine and illegal drugs. Some people use opioids because of the euphoria (“high”) they can produce. Opioid drugs can cause addiction, also known as opioid use disorder (OUD).