Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that act on opioid receptors in the central nervous system and other organs throughout the body. Opioids include natural, synthetic, partial agonists, full agonists, and antagonists. These medications can be used in treating pain relief, cough suppression, diarrhea control as well as providing sedation for medical procedures among many other uses. The most commonly prescribed opioids are hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), codeine and morphine.

The term “opiate” is often used interchangeably with “opioid”, but there is a distinction between these two terms; opiates refer to naturally occurring alkaloid compounds found within opium poppy plants such as morphine or codeine whereas opioids refer to any drug derived from opium including both synthetically-created ones like fentanyl or buprenorphine which do not occur naturally in nature .

Opioids have been around since ancient times when they were used medicinally by cultures ranging from China to Egypt. During the 19th century their use began increasing due to advances made during this time period such anesthesiology which allowed more effective management of acute pain during surgeries while also giving rise to new recreational uses for them leading into what we now know today as our current opioid epidemic plaguing North America’s population today . In response governments have implemented various policies aimed at curbing this issue one example being Canada’s introduction of its National Drug Strategy back in 1987 which has undergone multiple revisions over the years up until its latest version released 2018 called “Canada’s Drugs & Substances Strategy” furthering efforts towards tackling problematic substance misuse nationwide along with promoting public health initiatives related to it .

Despite all measures taken however overdoses involving opioids remain high resulting from either unintentional ingestion/mischance or intentional abuse making them one of if not still currently considered deadliest substances globally speaking according statistics compiled 2017 by Centers Disease Control Prevention showing just how far reaching effects come associated even something long ago accepted traditional medicine setting prior modern day standards set place combat ever growing problem addiction taking lives millions each year worldwide so much research continues conducted better understand true extent impact has had humanity order develop safer alternatives offering same desired effect without putting life risk might eventually open door brighter future where no longer necessary continue walking down dark path paved countless before us who unfortunately didn’t make out alive end journey