National Institute on Drug Abuse website states:
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others. … All opioids are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused (taken in a different way or in a larger quantity than prescribed, or taken without a doctor’s prescription). Regular use—even as prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can lead to addiction, overdose incidents, and deaths. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids
Despite claims that they are safe while taken for a short period of time, there are many problems associated with them. Opioids are a major problem for the USA and other lands. …
Full written article available here: http://www.cogwriter.com/news/doctrine/opioid-crisis-leaves-700000-americans-dead/
