Opioids

What are opioids in medicinal practice? Opioids are chemical substances that act similarly to morphine in their pain-relieving effects. These agents work by attaching to opioid receptors found in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. These receptors then start to mediate the opipoids, which can produce many positive effects but also some side effects in various circumstances.

There are a few kinds of opioids including natural opioids (opiates) like morphine, codeine, thebaine and oripavine; semi-synthetic opiates such as hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone and heroin and fully synthetic opioids like fentanyl, pethidine, methadone, and propoxyphene. Opioids have been used for many years in medicinal treatment as a pain-relieving drug in both post-operative care and in palliative care. Opioids drugs are usually not given in large quantities, and more than half of patients are content with low doses of pain relief even in cases of advanced palliative care.

Though opioids have primarily been used to treat palliative and surgical pain, some doctors have found that the drugs can be beneficial in treating regular chronic pain. Much study has been done on opioids and to possible addictive side effects in treatment. Doctors have found over the decades that as long as the drug is used for pain relief, addiction is rare. Some studies have even suggested that opioids can provide psychological benefits for some patients, without the risk of addiction.

However, these claims remain untested and opioids drugs are still only available as a prescription. Because of the potential danger of these drugs, in 1914 the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act of 1914 ensured that any non-clinical use of the drug was a criminal act. However, since the 1970's these laws were relaxed as more has been learned on the benefits and possible side effects of opioids. For more on opioids and what these prescription drugs can do for you visit opioids.org.