Final answer:
Opioids help in reducing pain by acting as analgesics and narcotics, but their use is associated with the suppression of respiration and cough reflex, especially at higher doses.
Step-by-step explanation:
In addition to suppressing pain impulses, opioids also suppress respiration and cough reflex. These substances often serve as analgesics, providing pain relief without loss of consciousness. However, in higher doses, opioids can act as narcotics and may lead to drowsiness and even loss of consciousness. Due to these effects, opioids have to be used carefully under medical supervision to avoid serious side effects like respiratory depression.