OPIOIDS: HOW ADDICTION IMPACTS PUBLIC HEALTH

Abstract

Opioids are a type of medication known for their potent analgesic effect, and therefore, they are commonly prescribed, primarily to relieve pain. Despite these medications being used therapeutically, they have the potential for abuse, a significant risk of causing dependence and generating an epidemic, which is considered one of the greatest public health challenges worldwide, with economic and social consequences. Understanding the mechanism of action of these CNS depressants is very important to comprehend the damage associated with misuse, to contribute new information with the intention of improving public health related to the uncontrolled use and prescription of therapeutic opioids, and to guide safer clinical practices in pain management.

Keywords: Analgesics; Substance abuse; Opium; Prevention; Health polices.