You Never Have to Feel This Way Again
About Opioid Dependence
What are opioids?
Opioids are drugs that have the same effect on the body as opium. Some opioids are made directly from opium (for example, morphine, codeine, and heroin). Other opioids are manufactured to be chemically similar to opium (for example, the pain medications oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, with brand names such as OxyContin®, Vicodin®, Percocet®, and Actiq®).
For people in pain, opioids can be effective medicines for pain relief. For some, however, opioid dependence can be an unintended side effect of prescribed pain treatment.