What is it?
This group includes medicines prescribed for pain, opioid-containing over-the-counter products, and illicitly manufactured opioids. Some synthetic opioids are extremely potent and may be present in supply without the person knowing.
Common forms
- Tablets and capsules
- Patches
- Liquids
- Powders
- Counterfeit tablets sold as other medicines
How it affects the body
All opioids act on opioid receptors and can slow breathing, especially at higher amounts or combined with other sedatives.
Short-term effects
- Pain relief
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and constipation
- Slowed breathing
Long-term effects
- Tolerance and dependence
- Persistent constipation and hormonal effects
- Overdose risk that increases with dose changes or mixing
Dependence and addiction
Dependence can develop when the body and brain adapt to regular use. It is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. Signs people describe include needing more to get the same effect, difficulty cutting down, spending more time thinking about use, and continuing despite harm. Support is available at any stage — you do not need to have reached a crisis point. Dependence can develop with prescribed opioids too. If you are worried about your prescription, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist — do not stop suddenly.
Withdrawal
Stopping or reducing after regular use can cause withdrawal. Withdrawal varies between people and depends on how much and how long someone has used, their physical health and other substances involved. Some withdrawal can be medically serious, so it is safer to plan a reduction with a clinician or a drug and alcohol service rather than stopping abruptly alone. Reductions in prescribed opioids should be planned with a clinician.
Overdose risks
Unresponsiveness, very slow or absent breathing, and pinpoint pupils are emergency signs. Call 999 and give naloxone if available. Counterfeit tablets are a particular risk because content is unknown.
Mixing substances
Combining with alcohol, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids or sleeping tablets substantially increases overdose risk.
Harm-reduction information
- Only take opioids as prescribed to you, and never someone else's medicine
- Ask about naloxone if you or someone close to you uses opioids
- Store medicines safely, away from children
- Return unused medicines to a pharmacy
- Ask a pharmacist before adding any new medicine
When to seek urgent medical help
Call 999 if someone is unconscious or cannot be woken, is having difficulty breathing, has a seizure, has chest pain, becomes very confused or agitated, or you are worried they may have overdosed. For urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call NHS 111. You will not get someone into trouble by calling for medical help.
Treatment and recovery options
- Talking therapies and structured psychosocial support
- Community drug and alcohol services, including self-referral where available
- Medication-assisted treatment where clinically appropriate
- Medically supported withdrawal, arranged and monitored by clinicians
- Peer support and recovery communities
- Residential rehabilitation for some people, usually via assessment
- Support for related needs — mental health, housing, family and welfare
UK support resources
- NHS — health information and service finders (nhs.uk)
- Talk to FRANK — UK drug information service (talktofrank.com)
- Your local community drug and alcohol service — many accept self-referrals
- Local pharmacy teams, who can offer advice and signposting
Sources / references
This page is a plain-language summary written for education. For clinical or legal detail, use authoritative UK sources: NHS (nhs.uk), Talk to FRANK (talktofrank.com), NICE (nice.org.uk), UK Government and devolved government publications, and guidance from UK professional bodies. Each page on this site carries a review date, and we welcome corrections.