Final answer:
The statement that withdrawal from opioid drugs is often fatal is false; while opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, it is not typically life-threatening. Medications like methadone or buprenorphine may be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Withdrawal from opioid drugs is often false when the statement suggests it is fatal. Opioid withdrawal can indeed be incredibly uncomfortable and resemble a severe flu, causing symptoms such as body aches, nausea, and anxiety, but it is not typically life-threatening. Unlike withdrawal from alcohol or barbiturates, which can be dangerous and even fatal, opioid withdrawal, while extremely unpleasant, doesn't usually pose the same risk of death. That said, those suffering from addiction may need help from medications such as methadone or buprenorphine to manage their symptoms and prevent relapse. The crisis with opioid drugs originated in the 1990s due to overprescription and misinformation about the addictive nature of these substances, leading to widespread misuse and addiction.1