What are opioids?

Opioids (say: “oh-pee-oyds”) are a kind of drug that is often used for pain control. People who take opioids can become addicted, especially if they don’t take the medicine as prescribed by their doctor or if they take the drug illegally.

What is addiction?

Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and your behavior. You have control over your choice to start using drugs, but once you start, their pleasurable effect makes you want to keep using them. Over time, your brain actually changes in certain ways so that a powerful urge to use drugs controls your behavior.

How do I know if I'm addicted?

You might be addicted if you keep craving the drug or if you feel like you can’t control the urge to take the drug. You may also be addicted if you keep using opioids without your doctor’s consent even if the drugs are causing trouble for you. The trouble may be with your health, with money, with work or school or with your relationships with family or friends. Your friends and family may be aware of your addiction problem before you realize it because they notice the changes in your behavior.

What can I do if I'm addicted?

The first step in breaking addiction is realizing that you control your own behavior. The following steps will help you fight your addiction:

1. Commit to quitting. Take control of your behavior and commit to fighting your addictions.
2. Get help from your doctor. He or she can be your biggest ally, even if you're trying to quit a drug he or she prescribed. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medicine that will help ease your cravings for the addictive drug. Talking with your doctor or a counselor about your problems and your drug use can be helpful, too.
3. Get support. Certain organizations are dedicated to helping people who have addictions. They want you to succeed and will give you the tools and support you need to quit and move on with your life. Ask your family and friends for support, too.

• How can I prevent getting addicted to opioids?
• Is the medicine I taking addictive?
• How do I know if I’m addicted to an opioid?
• What should I do if I think I’m addicted to an opioid?
• How do I know if a friend of family member is addicted to an opioid?