Opioids are natural and synthetic forms of opium that are

widely used as pain relievers. Opium is extracted from the

opium poppy plant which contains chemicals used to produce

opioid pain medication such as morphine.

Opioids include other prescription medications, such as

hydrocodone (Vicodin or Norco), oxycodone (Percocet or

Oxycontin), fentanyl, codeine, and methadone. Opiate pain

relieving medications like morphine allow for modern surgical

procedures and palliative care of cancer patients. However,

since the 1990's, clinicians have prescribed opioids for more

conditions, longer durations, and at higher doses than at any

other time in the past. The widespread increase in opioid

prescribing was largely born from misleading claims by

pharmaceutical companies about the risks of harm and

addiction to individuals taking such medications.

The illegal drug heroin is also an opioid. As prescription opioid

overuse has risen, so too has heroin addiction.