Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others. Learn about the health effects of prescription opioids and read the DrugFacts on Fentanyl, Heroin, and Prescription Opioids.
Looking for Treatment?
Use the SAMHSA Treatment Locator or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Learn more about:
Featured Opioid Information
Multimedia
Related Resources
- NIH Director’s Blog on Opioids
- NIH HEAL Initiative videos - View all HEAL related videos on the NIH YouTube Channel
- FDA launches public education campaign to encourage safe removal of unused opioid pain medicines from homes (FDA, April 2019)
- The Opioid Misuse Community Assessment Tool (NORC)
- Opioid Misuse in Rural America (USDA)
- Opioid Prescribing (CDC: Vital Signs)
- Fact Sheets: Prescription Opioid Abuse and Heroin Use Epidemic (White House)
- Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit (SAMHSA)
- Treatment Improvement Protocol: Medications for Opioid Use Disorders (SAMHSA)
- Clinical Guidance for Treating Pregnant and Parenting Women With Opioid Use Disorder and Their Infants (SAMHSA)
- Opioids and Adolescents (Office of Adolescent Health)