Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, OxyContin, vicodin, and codeine, as well as illegal substances like heroin. While these medications are often prescribed for pain relief, they also have a high potential for misuse due to their ability to block pain signals and create intense feelings of euphoria.
Opioid misuse can lead to physical extreme dependence and health issues, making the opioid crisis a critical public health concern. In the case of especially powerful opioids like fentanyl, the risk of opioid overdose is extremely high.