The opioid crisis in the U.S. has been a growing public health emergency for decades and has led to more than 700,000 overdose deaths nationwide since 1999. The problem exploded in 2020 due to the isolation and unemployment many people experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But what are opioids, and how can this trend be reversed?
Also called narcotics, opioids are a type of drug called depressants. They activate certain parts of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), peripheral nervous system (the nerves running throughout the body) and gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines). This activation slows – or depresses – the messages between the brain and body that regulate many bodily functions, including:
- Pain
- Breathing
- Reward (pleasure)
- Mood
- Stress
- Gastrointestinal functions (digestion, etc.)
Types of Opioids
There are many types of opioids that can be split into two basic categories: those prescribed by doctors for legitimate medical reasons and those that are manufactured, sold and used illegally.
There are more than 100 types of prescription opioids. Some of the most common prescription opioids include:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®)
- Oxymorphone (Opana®)
- Morphine (Kadian®, Avinza®)
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
Illegal opioids:
- Heroin: A recreational drug with no medical purpose
- Fentanyl: A major factor in the current opioid crisis, fentanyl is prescribed legally by doctors but is also sold and used illegally. It’s about 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.
Opioids have a number of effects on the body. Some of them are beneficial, but others can have devastating effects.
A Potent Pain Killer
The primary benefit of opioids is their ability to block the chemicals in the central nervous system that cause you to feel pain. This is why doctors prescribe them to treat moderate to severe pain from surgery, injuries, cancer and other ailments. Certain opioids are also used to relieve coughs and severe diarrhea.
However, opioids should only be used on an extremely short-term basis to avoid harmful side effects.
Addiction and Other Opioid Side Effects
“Opioids present serious risks that make them some of the most dangerous drugs in the world,” said Jennifer Wenger, program manager of Substance Use Services at OSF HealthCare. “First of all, they’re very addictive to the human brain, which leads to opioid use disorder.”
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic but treatable health condition that occurs when opioids are used in unsafe ways, which often leads to addiction, health problems, personal struggles and even the risk of death.
Other medical side effects of opioid use include:
- Chronic constipation
- Decreased sexual desire
- Drowsiness
- Frequent flu-like symptoms
- Increased risk of bone fractures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slowed breathing
- Slurred speech
- Weight loss
Overdose and death
“As a person continues to take opioids, their body begins to develop a tolerance for the drug,” Jennifer said. “Because of this, higher doses are eventually required to achieve the same pain-killing effect or high.
“This creates a serious risk of overdose because opioids interact with parts of the brain stem that control breathing. Taking too much of an opioid can suppress breathing enough that the user suffocates and dies.”
What is OSF doing?
OSF HealthCare has taken several steps to help end the opioid crisis and to help those who are being impacted by it.
“We continuously educate our doctors and nurses about the dangers of opioids and how it’s important to not use them as the primary drug to relieve mild to moderate pain,” said Sandy Salverson, senior vice president of Pharmacy Services at OSF HealthCare. “When opioids must be used, our guidance is to try to limit their use to only 48-72 hours for severe, short-term pain and then transition to a non-opioid pain reliever.
“In the event of surgery, we also provide guidelines so our providers are aware of the appropriate quantities of opioids that should be prescribed based on the type of procedure a patient has undergone.”
Medication assisted treatment
OSF also offers a highly effective treatment for people ages 12 and up with opioid use disorder. It’s called medication assisted treatment.
Through this comprehensive approach, a prescription medication called buprenorphine is combined with behavioral therapy, education and other forms of care to help patients overcome opioid use disorder.
Opioid Safety Tips
If your doctor prescribes opioids for relief from severe pain, follow these tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Advocate for yourself by talking to your doctor about potentially using alternatives to opioids.
- Always store medications away from children.
- Never share your medication with others.
- Take the opioid as prescribed and for the shortest period of time possible before transitioning to a non-opioid pain reliever.
- Talk to your primary care provider if you’re concerned that you’re struggling with opioid use.
- Properly dispose of all unused medications as soon as possible.
Last Updated: April 8, 2025