Opiacés

Opiacés are a class of drugs derived from opium, a naturally occurring substance found in the opium poppy. These compounds exert their effects by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and throughout the body. The primary effects of opiates include pain relief (analgesia), sedation, and a feeling of euphoria. Medically, opiates are valuable for managing severe pain, such as that associated with surgery or cancer. Common examples of prescription opiates include morphine, codeine, and oxycodone.

However, opiates also carry significant risks. They are highly addictive, meaning regular use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. Overdose is a serious concern, as opiates can suppress breathing, leading to respiratory failure and death. The misuse of prescription opiates and the illicit production and use of heroin, a potent opiate, have contributed to a global opioid crisis, characterized by rising rates of addiction and overdose deaths. Harm reduction strategies, such as the availability of naloxone (an overdose reversal medication) and medication-assisted treatment, are employed to address this crisis.