Opioids, also known as opiates, are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin as well as powerful pain relievers available legally through prescriptions. Prescription painkillers are used to treat pain and are often prescribed for people who have undergone surgery, had dental work, experienced a sports injury, or suffer from chronic illnesses such as back pain, arthritis, etc.

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Examples of prescribed opioid medications include:

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• Codeine – an ingredient in some cough syrups and in one Tylenol® product

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• Hydrocodone – Vicodin®, Lortab®, or Lorcet®

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• Oxycodone – Percocet®, OxyContin®, or Percodan®

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• Hyrdromorphone – Dilaudid®

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• Morphine – MSContin®, MSIR®, Avinza®, or Kadian®

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• Propxyphene – Darvocet® or Darvon®

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• Fentanyl – Duragesic®

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Over the years, there has been a drastic increase in people that use prescription painkillers for non-medical uses, often having started with a legitimate prescription for the opioid. Over time, the user develops tolerance and dependence, which leads to greater use and addiction.

According to some research, studies have shown that 4 out of every 5 heroin users today started by misusing prescription painkillers. In fact, the rise of heroin may be in large part due to the far more expensive and difficult to access legal painkillers, making heroin an inexpensive option for addicted individuals to continue using opioids.