Opioids are chemicals that are similar to morphine in their actions in that they stop the signals of pain to the brain from areas of the body that are in pain, and would normally transmit that pain. The term opioid refers to the opium that is found in the opium poppy.
The use of opium has had a long history of being used for pain and for producing a state of euphoria if used as a recreational drug. Many people have become addicted to pain medications after their use has been discontinued by the doctor, only the person is able to find other means of obtaining the drug.
Opioids have the side effects of respiratory depression, sedation, constipation, and a very high sense of euphoria. The problem with situations where these drugs get to the recreational level, is that the individuals using them have a difficult time regulating their dosages.
The more they take, the more they need to get, and maintain a high, so as they take more, they risk having their respiration shut down. Right now, deaths from the overdose of these types of drugs exceed the deaths from heroin and cocaine combined. There are about 40 deaths per day in the United States compared to around 20 from heroin and cocaine daily.
If a person is addicted to opioids and similar pain killing drugs, the only way for them to break their addiction is by a closely supervised treatment regimen in a facility. It is a medical condition that must have a medical treatment program that is closely supervised.
It is impossible for an individual to kick the addiction on their own, even if concerned family members are nearby. If you have a loved one or a friend in this condition, get them to a treatment facility as soon as possible, as their life may depend on it.
Serious Addiction Treatment for Opioids, Morphine and Severe Heroin Abuse and Addictions:
Family Recovery 