Final answer:
Opioids target the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals, providing relief from pain by preventing these signals from fully reaching the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opioids disrupt the spinal cord, which masks the feelings of pain so the patient cannot feel it. The spinal cord acts as a channel for signals between the brain and the body. When opioids are introduced into the system, they bind to specific opioid receptors in the central nervous system and other tissues. This binding alters the transmission of pain signals to the brain, effectively numbing the sensation of pain. In addition to pain relief, opioids can have various effects, such as drowsiness, mental fog, and potential dependency or addiction with prolonged use.