O USO DE OPIÁCEOS COMO DROGAS DE ABUSO: UMA REVISÃO

Abstract

Opioids constitute one of the most relevant pharmacological classes in clinical practice, being widely recognized for their efficacy in managing moderate to intense pain; however, their inappropriate use represents a serious public health problem on a global scale. The present study aimed to analyze the use of opioids in the context of drugs of abuse, encompassing their pharmacological foundations, therapeutic applications, adverse effects, and the social and health repercussions resulting from their inappropriate use. This is a bibliographic review with a qualitative approach and descriptive nature, based on a survey of national and international databases, such as PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and the Virtual Health Library (BVS), selecting articles published between 2021 and 2026. The results show that opioids act on μ, κ, and δ receptors of the central nervous system, being classified as natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic, and administered via oral, parenteral, and transdermal routes. Their use is associated with adverse effects such as constipation, nausea, respiratory depression, and dependence, the latter being enhanced by psychosocial factors and prolonged use. In Brazil, a significant growth in the dispensing of these substances is observed, with an estimate of 89.5% between 2021 and 2026, impacting hospitalizations, mortality, and public health costs—a scenario that reinforces the central role of the pharmacist in promoting rational use and pharmacovigilance. Although opioids are indispensable in pain treatment, their duality between therapeutic benefit and risk of abuse requires careful prescription, continuous monitoring, and effective public policies aimed at prevention, control, and harm reduction.