Opioids are natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic chemicals that interact with opioid receptors in the body and brain to reduce the perception of pain.

OUD exists on a spectrum and may be mild, moderate or severe, and generally involves an overpowering drive to use opioids despite consequences and interference with daily life.

OUD is a specific type of substance use disorder—a mental health condition where chronic misue of opioids can impair a person’s wellbeing and lead to risky use with potential health consequences like relapse, overdose, and death.

Individuals with OUD struggle to control their use of opioids and their behaviors.

An opioid overdose happens when a person takes too much of an opioid, or combination of opioids and other drugs, at a level that is toxic to the body.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell if a person who is using opioids is just very high or experiencing a life-threatening overdose. If you are unsure, it is best to assume there is an overdose — call 911 and utilize Naloxone if available.