Opioid Risks and Overdose

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What are Opioids?

Opioids are a type of medication that include some prescription pain relievers, illegal drugs of abuse (e.g., heroin), and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.1

References
  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioids. NIDA. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids. Accessed September 4, 2019.
  2. Veterans Health Administration. Opioid Safety. Veterans Affairs. https://www.va.gov/PAINMANAGEMENT/Opioid_Safety/OSI_docs/Safe_and_Responsible_Use_of_Opioids_for_Chronic_Pain.pdf. Accessed April 10, 2026.
  3. Naloxone Training. National Drug Court Institute - NDCI.org. https://www.ndci.org/resources/naloxonetraining/. Accessed September 20, 2019.
  4. Information sheet on opioid overdose. World Health Organization. https://naloxonesaves-nc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3181/2020/02/How-to-Use-Naloxone-Brochure-ALL-formulations2.pdf. Accessed April 10, 2026.
  5. Scholl L, Seth P, Kariisa M, Wilson N, Baldwin G. Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths – United States, 2017-2018. Accessed April 10, 2026. 
  6. Patient Guide for Naloxone Nasal Spray. https://www.pbm.va.gov/PBM/AcademicDetailingService/Documents/Academic_Detailing_Educational_Material_Catalog/37_IB_926_OEND_Patient_Naloxone_Nasal_Spray_4mg_Instructions_Pocket_Card.pdf . Accessed April 10, 2026.

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