Stimulants and opioids are the most common types of drugs associated with overdoses.
Drug overdoses are not a new phenomenon. People have overdosed on different substances throughout antiquity.
Opioids are a class of drugs that include opium or opiates derived from the poppy plant.
Opiates are made from the poppy plant directly, while other opioids are made by scientists in labs using the same chemical structure.
Opioids are often used as medicines because they contain chemicals that relax the body and relieve pain.
Prescription opioids are extremely addictive, so they’re most often used to treat severe or chronic pain.
Opioids can make one feel very relaxed or “high,” which is why they are sometimes used for non-medical purposes. However, this can be dangerous.
Opioids are highly addictive, and overdoses and death from their use and abuse are very common.