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Opioids

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Opiod Overview

Opiod Crisis

Opiod Related Harms

Fentanyl

Policy

Prevention

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Opioid Overview

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine and many others. These drugs are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken as prescribed by a doctor and for a short period of time. However, because opioids can produce feelings of euphoria in addition to relieving pain, they have the potential for misuse—particularly when taken in ways other than prescribed, in larger amounts, or without a prescription. Regular use – even as prescribed by a doctor – can lead to dependence, and misuse of opioid pain relievers can lead to overdose incidents and deaths.1 

Non-prescription opioids, such as heroin, are classified as Schedule I drugs, meaning they have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. Prescription opioids—including codeine, morphine, and hydrocodone—are generally classified as Schedule II drugs, indicating a high potential for abuse but accepted medical uses under strict prescription guidelines.

Resources

Opioid Crisis: A Brief History

The opioid public health crisis began with the first wave of opioid-related overdoses in the 1990s, fueled by the widespread overprescribing of opioid medications such as OxyContin.2 This wave was followed by a second beginning in 2010, marked by a rise in heroin use, and a third wave in 2013, driven by a sharp increase in deaths involving synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl.3 The American Medical Association reports that, although opioid prescribing rates decreased by 44% from 2011 to 2020, opioid-related deaths continued to rise.4 This has largely been due to the increased availability and lethality of illicitly manufactured opioids such as fentanyl.

Resources

Opioid Related Harms

A statement released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in March 2025 reported that opioid-involved overdoses remained the leading cause of drug-related fatalities in the United States.7 In 2023, opioid-related deaths accounted for approximately 79,358 deaths—or 75% of all overdose fatalities in the United States. 6 In the same year, 264 drug overdose deaths in Idaho were opioid-related, accounting for 68% of all overdose fatalities in the state.

The most recent preliminary data released by the CDC in November of 2024 indicates a significant decline in opioid-related deaths in the United States, with an estimated 56,542 deaths reported over the previous 12-month period.5 Although this predicted decline is encouraging, opioid-related overdoses continue to be the leading cause of overdose deaths across the country.5

Fentanyl

Of the 79,358 opioid-related overdose deaths that occurred in 2023, approximately 72,776 (92%) were attributed to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.7 In Idaho during that same year, fentanyl was responsible for 197 overdose deaths—accounting for 51% of all overdose fatalities in the state. This represents a sharp increase from 2019, when fentanyl was involved in just 23 deaths, or approximately 9% of Idaho’s total overdose deaths. Although 2024 data on fentanyl-related deaths is not yet available for Idaho, preliminary figures released by the CDC in November 2024 estimate that 50,283 overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids—primarily fentanyl—occurred across the U.S. over the preceding 12-month period.5 These preliminary data indicate that, of the estimated opioid-related deaths in the 12-month period prior to November 2024, 89% were related to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.5

Resources

Naloxone

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors, effectively reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It works against overdoses caused by all types of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain relievers. Naloxone comes in various forms that anyone can use without medical training or authorization, including a prefilled nasal spray and an injectable. solution.8

As of 2019, Idahoans may access naloxone at a pharmacy without a prescription. Call ahead to your local pharmacy to ensure availability of naloxone and to ask about your co-pay. If you have Medicaid, naloxone is free from the pharmacy. Community-based groups such as substance use disorder treatment and recovery and crisis centers near you may also offer naloxone free to individuals in need, regardless of your insurance status. 9

Resources

Policy

Methamphetamine is a Schedule I controlled substance under Idaho Law, and Cocaine and Coca Leaves are Schedule II controlled substances. It is illegal for any person to manufacture, deliver, possess with intent to manufacture or deliver, or possess these substances. It is illegal to publically use or be under the influence of these substances.  Specific penalties for these acts can be found in Sections 37-2732, 37-2732C, and 37-2732B of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Prescription central nervous system stimulants fall under Schedules II-III of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

Agency policy statements and guidance documents shall not have the force and effect of law pursuant to section 67-5207A, Idaho Code.

Recent Idaho Legislation

Retail Sales of Pseudoephedrine

2006: House Bill No. 530
Places certain controls on the retail sales of pseudoephedrine products and provides penalties for violations. Enacted March 21, 2006.

Additional Controlled Substances

2020: House Bill No. 315
Revises Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to match the  corresponding DEA regulations regarding Cathinone Analogues in addition to others. Effective July 14, 2020.

Medical Organizations

Prevention

Risk of drug use greatly increases during times of transition. The transition from childhood to adolescence presents new and challenging social, family, and academic situations at the same time they may be exposed to substances like prescription stimulants for the first time. Early use of drugs increases a person’s chance of becoming addicted and alters the brain, therefore preventing early use is important.

Tips

Students who participate in 1 or more days of supervised after-school activities are less likely to have ever misused prescription drugs, including stimulants. After-school activities provide:

  1. Supervision by positive adult role models
  2. Youth leadership opportunities
  3. Incorporation of skills building
  4. A piece of a comprehensive prevention plan

Addressing risk factors early and paying careful attention to children at higher risk can reduce that child’s likelihood of a future problem. This is a simplified list of some overall risk factors. Learn more at youth.gov

  1. Family history of substance use disorders
  2. Mental health or behavioral issues
  3. Trauma
  4. Impulse control problems

Protective factors may reduce the risk of youth engaging in substance use. Increasing protective factors in addition to reducing risk factors can be more effective in preventing substance use.

  1. Ability to make friends and get along with others
  2. Reliable support and discipline from caregivers
  3. Mastery of academic skills (math, reading, writing)
  4. School Engagement

These are simplified lists of some overall risk and protective factors. Learn more at youth.gov

  • ODP’s Be the Parents campaign developed conversation cards, a fun way for parents and kids to engage in open and positive communication. Order them here.
  • Download the 30-day Challenge – a way to stay engaged with youth and create more opportunities for conversation.
  • The Partnership for Drug Free Kids has helpful information about prescription stimulants.
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