Some sources define the term opioid to exclude opiates, and others use opiate comprehensively instead of opioid, but opioid used inclusively is considered modern, preferred and is in wide use.

They have high addiction potential and could lead to opioid use disorder and overdose. It’s important to talk with your provider about the risks and benefits before taking opioids.

Apr 15, 2026 · Opioids are used to provide relief from moderate-to-severe acute or chronic pain. They are also called opiates, opioid analgesics, narcotics, or narcotic analgesics.

Apr 1, 2026 · Learn about the health effects of opioid use. Opioids are a class of natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic drugs. These include both prescription medications used to treat pain and illegal drugs …

Aug 26, 2023 · When used as directed by your doctor, opioid medicines safely help control severe pain, such as pain you may have after surgery. But there are risks when the medicines aren't used correctly.

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 …

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 …

Oct 5, 2022 · Opioids are powerful drugs that relieve pain. Learn their medical uses and side effects, plus factors that may increase opioid use disorder risk.

Jun 9, 2025 · CDC is committed to addressing the opioid overdose epidemic and supporting states and communities as they continue work to identify outbreaks, collect data, respond to overdoses, and …

May 26, 2021 · In fact, the potency of opioid drugs varies greatly, with fluctuations in their strength, and risk of addition. Some opioids are remarkably stronger than others, which in some cases can cause …