2. • Opioids are synthetically formed
substances derived from the
Opium Poppy.
• These substances are used to
treat moderate to severe pain in
medicines like Codeine,
Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone.
• Opioids change the way the brain
reacts to pain and is claimed to
produce euphoria and relaxation—
making opioids highly popular for
recreational abuse.

3. • Codeine – commonly known for its use in
Tylenol 3.
• Hydrocodone – known by the brand names
Lortab, Lorcet, Vicodin, and Norco.
• Oxycodone – brand names including
Percocet, Percodan, and OxyContin.
• Hydromorphone – known most commonly
by the brand name Opana.
• Meperidine – known by the name Demerol.
• Fentanyl – powerful opioid known by the
brand names Abstral, Actiq, Fentora, and
Onsolis.

4. • Opioids affect the brain by stimulating
the opioid receptors and flooding
dopamine, a chemical that rewards you
with happiness, causing a rush of
euphoria and pleasant relaxation.
• Over time, however, a tolerance or
resistance to the drug is built—forcing
the user to use more or a stronger
dosage in order to receive the ―high.‖
• The brain and body becomes used to the
drug stimulation and begins depending
on it for dopamine production. Without
the drug, the user would experience
physical and mental withdrawal.

5. Methods of getting the drug faster
into the system to experience a more
intense ―high‖ include:
• Orally – swallowing pills on
empty stomach or chewing.
• Intranasal – crushing up and
inhaling the drug through the
nose to be absorbed by
mucus membranes.
• Smoking – practiced usually
by placing substance on tin
foil and lighting from
underneath, directly inhaling
smoke.
• Intravenously – injecting the
mixture of powder substance
and water.

6. • Popularity of the drug has created in
crisis in the U.S. Illegal use of
opiates was previously linked with
Heroin use. Now in a familiar pill,
opiate use has risen dramatically.
• Painkiller addiction is an expensive
habit, causing the addict to suffer
financially. Theft and forging
prescriptions are common methods
of obtaining these drugs and
crumble any healthy relationships
the addict has.
• Addiction/ Overdose on these
medications has gained media
coverage with celebrities suffering
from addiction that millions face
across the country.

7. • Drugs like Methadone and Subutex are
given in clinics to those who are
dangerously addicted to these substances
and are desperate for help in order to
wean them off.
• There are many in-patient and out-patient
rehabilitation centers that provide medical
and psychological care for those suffering
with Opioid addiction.
• If you or someone you know is suffering
with addiction, call your local Crisis Hotline
for advice.