Opioid Crisis

This course provides a comprehensive overview of opioids, a powerful class of drugs that includes prescription pain relievers like oxycodone, codeine, and morphine; synthetic opioids such as fentanyl; and illegal substances like heroin. Originally developed for medical use, opioids contain chemicals that relax the body and relieve pain. However, they also produce intense feelings of euphoria, making them highly susceptible to misuse.
The course explores the dual nature of opioids—both as critical pain management tools and as substances of abuse. It explains how opioids affect the brain and body, why they are so addictive, and the consequences of non-medical use. With over 130 opioid-related overdose deaths occurring daily in the United States, the scale of the crisis is staggering.
Learners will also examine the broader societal and economic implications of opioid misuse.
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