What Are Opioids?

Opioids are synthetic or semi-synthetic pain relievers that act on the brain’s opioid receptors, producing pain relief and euphoria. While they are highly effective for short-term medical use, opioids are also highly addictive.

Common prescription and illicit examples include:

• Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®)

• Hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Norco®)

• Fentanyl (the most potent prescription opioid)

• Methadone

• Buprenorphine products (Suboxone®, Subutex®)

Because these drugs are widely prescribed and easily misused, many individuals develop opioid dependence after legitimate medical treatment only to find themselves trapped in addiction. Medical uses range from acute pain and anesthesia to cough suppression and Medication‑Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid‑use disorder. Because these drugs are synthetically manufactured, they can be produced cheaply—and abused easily.

The Opioid Crisis

What began in the 1990s with widespread prescribing of painkillers has become one of the deadliest public health crises in U.S. history.

• Prescription Pathway: Patients prescribed opioids for pain often develop tolerance and dependency, leading some to misuse or seek stronger opioids.

• Illicit Use: Many transition from prescription opioids to heroin or fentanyl when prescriptions run out or costs increase.

• Fentanyl Adulteration: Today, fentanyl is frequently mixed into counterfeit pills and street opioids. Just a few grains can cause respiratory arrest, making relapse after detox particularly deadly.

• Result: Opioid overdoses are now a leading cause of accidental death, affecting families across California and Orange County.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

When opioid use stops, the body reacts with painful and overwhelming withdrawal symptoms. These often push people back into use unless they are in a supervised medical detox. Stopping opioids suddenly triggers intense withdrawal that peaks at 48–72 hours. Attempting to self‑detox often ends in relapse as individuals use again to end the agony.

Symptoms include:

• Chills and sweating

• Restless legs, spasms, and tremors

• Severe anxiety, panic, and agitation

• Insomnia and irritability

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Powerful drug cravings

• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

• Depression and dysphoria

Symptoms typically begin 6–12 hours after the last dose, peak around 48–72 hours, and may last over a week. Cravings and sleep issues can linger even longer, making professional support essential.