B) Short-term pain

Opioids have many risks. While these medications work well to relieve pain right after surgery or a severe injury, your body quickly builds up tolerance to opioids. They can also have harmful effects throughout your body. Older adults and people with chronic conditions are at higher risk of having an overdose and health problems when using opioids.

D) All of the above

Opioids affect almost all your organs and body functions. And they can increase your risk of many health problems, including infections, decreased lung function, decreased libido due to changes in hormones and rewards systems in the brain, and heart conditions.

B) False

Opioids carry risks, even if you take them exactly as prescribed. And these risks increase as you get older.

C) Can cause pain as a part of withdrawal symptoms that begin between doses

Opioids are often not a reliable source of pain relief — and can sometimes cause or worsen pain. Studies have found that many people who reduce their opioids gradually over weeks to months (taper) have the same or less pain afterward. Also, opioids increase your pain sensitivity, by increasing the number of pain receptors in your body and making them more sensitive to pain.