Final answer:
Opioids are prescription-only medications due to their high potential for abuse and are not available over-the-counter (OTC); thus, the statement is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opioid analgesics are prescription medications used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. They are known to have a high abuse potential due to the way they mimic the endogenous opioid neurotransmitter system in the body, which can both reduce pain and produce euphoria. Opioids are not available as over-the-counter (OTC) medications due to their high risk of addiction and serious side effects; therefore, they must be prescribed by a doctor. Examples of opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. The statement that opioid analgesics are an OTC medication is false.