Why can an opioid overdose cause death? Opioids are a central nervous system stimulant and can cause heart attacks Opioids are a central nervous system depressant and can cause a person to stop breathing Opioids can cause a person to believe they are invincible and therefore can cause life-threatening injury Opioids can cause severe paranoia and therefore can cause one to take their own life

Answer 1

Opioids are classified as central nervous system depressants, not stimulants. An overdose of opioids can lead to respiratory depression, which is a significant decrease in the ability to breathe. This can occur because opioids bind to receptors in the brain that control the body's urge to breathe. When taken in excessive amounts, opioids can effectively slow down or stop breathing entirely, leading to a lack of oxygen in the body and potentially resulting in death.

Therefore, the correct explanation for why an opioid overdose can cause death is: Opioids are a central nervous system depressant and can cause a person to stop breathing.