Opioids Overview

Opioid is a chemical that works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system as well as the gastrointestinal tract. There are natural, semi-synthetic, fully-synthetic and endogenous (crated in the body) opioids each of which elicit a distinct set of neurological responses and specific physical responses as well.

Traditionally used to treat acute (often post-surgical) pain, opioids have more recently been used in chronic and palliative care for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.