Opioid facts for kids
Opioids are substances that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. Opioid receptors are widespread in the brain, and are also in the spinal cord and digestive tract.
Opioids are chemical substances that relieve pain. There are a wide range of natral and artificial opioids. They are used in hospitals to treat acute pain, as can occur after an operation. They can also be used to relieve pain, where treatment no longer makes sense, for example in certain cancer patients. Drugs that can relieve pain are broadly known as analgesics.
Certain opioids are used as anesthetics, as well as in emergency medicine and intensive care. There are cases which are difficult to manage with non-opioid analgesics.
Certain opioids have been used as illegal drugs. They can cause impairment if taken in large amounts.
Images for kids
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US yearly deaths involving other synthetic opioids, predominately Fentanyl.
See also
In Spanish: Opioide para niños
 | Marie Arana |
 | Sandra Cisneros |
 | Sergio Troncoso |
 | Nina Serrano |
