Opioids and overdoses: 4 things to know

By Faith Karimi, CNN

Updated 1744 GMT (0144 HKT) April 28, 2016

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Prescription and illegal opioids are commonly abused because they are so addictive. <br /><br />Opioid medications bind to the areas of the brain that control pain and emotions, driving up levels of the feel-good hormone dopamine in the brain's reward areas and producing an intense feeling of euphoria.<br /><br />As the brain becomes used to the feelings, it often takes more and more of the drug to produce the same levels of pain relief and well-being, leading to dependence and, later, addiction.
Photos: Opioids: Addictive painkillers