Final answer:
Opioids are drugs with pain-relieving properties used to manage acute and chronic pain. They are commonly prescribed by doctors, but their misuse and addiction potential have raised public health concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opioids are drugs that have analgesic properties, meaning they can decrease pain. They are commonly used for pain relief in medical settings, especially for severe pain such as before and after surgical procedures. Opioids like morphine, oxycodone, and codeine are often prescribed by doctors to manage acute and chronic pain in patients. However, opioids have a high potential for abuse and addiction, which has led to a public health concern in many countries.