Opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant and that work in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including the relief of pain with many of these drugs.
Opioids can be prescription medications often referred to as painkillers, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others, or they can be so-called street drugs, such as fentanyl and heroin.
All opioids are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain.
An opioid overdose can be reversed with the drug naloxone when given right away.