What Makes Opioids Dangerous?

In addition to relieving pain, opioids also activate reward regions in the brain causing the euphoria—or high—that underlies the potential for misuse and the development of an opioid use disorder. Opioids are naturally derived from the seed pods of poppy plants and are also known as opiates. There are also semi-synthetic and fully synthetic opioids that may be made with some or no natural ingredients, but still produce similar effects in the body. The euphoric high, addictive properties, and wide range of potency or strength of opioids all contribute to potential risk and harm associated with use and misuse of these substances.

Overdose is another significant danger with opioids, because these compounds also interact with parts of the brain stem that control breathing. Taking too much of an opioid can suppress breathing enough that the user suffocates. An overdose can be reversed (and fatality prevented) if the compound naloxone is administered quickly.

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Sources: National Institutes of Health; National Institute on Drug Abuse