Opioids, like oxycodone (Oxycontin, ‘’Oxy’’, Percocet, Perks’’), fentanyl or morphine are prescribed medications used to treat pain. Taking opioids in any way other than as prescribed can be dangerous and lead to an opioid overdose.

Opioids can also be produced and obtained illegally. What we are now seeing in Canada is that illegal drugs are being increasingly contaminated with strong opioids like fentanyl and other harmful substances.