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One of the fastest growing problems in drug abuse is the abuse of prescription drugs like pain killers and tranquilizers.
How do opioids affect the brain and body?
Opioids act on the brain and body by attaching to specific proteins called Opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. Oxycontin
What are the possible consequences of opioid use and abuse?
Taken as directed, opioids can be used to manage pain effectively.  Many studies have shown that the properly managed, short-term medical use of opioid analgesic drugs is safe and rarely causes Addiction-defined as the compulsive and uncontrollable use of drugs despite adverse consequences-or dependence, which occurs when the body adapts to the presence of a drug, and often results in withdrawal symptoms when that drug is reduced or stopped. Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps ("cold turkey"), and involuntary leg movements. Long-term use of opioids can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Taking a large single dose of an opioid could cause severe respiratory depression that can lead to death.
Is it safe to use opioid drugs with other medications?
Only under a physician's supervision can opioids be used safely with other drugs. Typically, they should not be used with other substances that depress the CNS, such as alcohol, antihistamines, Barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or general anesthetics, because these combinations increase the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression.
Source: National Institutes on Drug Abuse
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