
Opioids belong to a class of drugs that comprise illegal drugs like heroin; synthetic opioids like fentanyl; and prescription painkillers like hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, and many others. Unfortunately, more than 130 people succumb to opioid overdose every day.
The abuse and addiction of opioids including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain relievers is a national health crisis posing a huge burden on public health and economic and social welfare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prescription opioid misuse in the United States costs $78.5 billion per year comprising lost productivity, health care costs, criminal justice involvement, and substance abuse treatment.
Therapeutically, opioids are primarily used for the management of pain, including anesthesia. In addition, these are used to stop diarrhea, suppress cough, control opioid-induced constipation, and reverse opioid overdose. Exceptionally potent opioids like carfentanil are used only in veterinary medicine. Non-medically, these are used for their euphoric effects and for the prevention of withdrawal symptoms.